Table 2 Overview of impediments to vaccination, population groups particularly affected, and key responses
Impediments | Population groups particularly affected by the impediment | Steps taken to address impediments |
|---|---|---|
Logistical impediments | ||
Difficulty in reaching vaccination sites | Arabs, residents of remote areas (periphery), Bedouin | Mobile units |
Need for child care during vaccination | Arabs; ultra-Orthodox | Coordinators appointed |
Perceptual/behavioral impediments | ||
Reticence to adopt a new product; uncertainty among the part of the public about benefits of this vaccine | All except early adopters and high risk groups | Initiating program only after FDA approval; dissemination of evidence of effectiveness; passage of time; examples set by public figures and celebrities |
General concern about known/possible side effects | All groups | Dissemination of evidence of limited side effects, tailored messages, passage of time and seeing that those who received the vaccine are ok |
Concern about adverse effects on fertility / pregnancy | Arabs; ultra-Orthodox; young adults | Dissemination of information on COVID-19 risks to pregnancy; scientist reassurance re: fertility, media coverage of cases where pregnant women got severely ill and were not vaccinated. |
Confusing epidemiologic developments in Israel | All groups | Provision of explanations for confusing developments; dissemination of information from new micro- and macro-level studies |
Perception of limited personal benefits from vaccine | Young adults | Mobile units in places where they frequent (universities, beaches, commercial streets), campaigns. |
Limited trust in authorities and vaccine safety | Arabs and some ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups | Partnering with community leaders |
Language and communication barriers | Arabs | Development of Arabic-language materials and use of Arabic-language media |
Diverse and cross-cutting impediments | ||
Inertia; perception that vaccination costs/risks outweighed potential benefits | Entire population | Establishment of the Green Pass program and other incentives |
Unique needs and concerns of culturally-defined population groups | Arabs and ultra-Orthodox | Establishment of dedicated task forces for Arab and ultra-Orthodox populations; tailored messaging |