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Conceptualising undervaccinated populations in high-income settings: why consensus and clarity matter

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Routine immunisation coverage across high income countries is challenged by ongoing decline/attrition and persistent disparities.1 Terminology to describe groups with suboptimal vaccination rates has evolved from “hard-to-reach,” “marginalised,” and “disadvantaged” to “underserved.” Despite differing implicit assumptions, these terms are often used interchangeably, obscuring their distinct biases. Clarity in terminology is important for shaping programme delivery and outreach methods in ways that avoid stigmatising communities.

Source: The Lancet Regional Health - Europe

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101586

Authors: Sibylle Herzig van Wees, Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Michael J. Deml, Ifrah Mohamed Ibrahim, Sandra Mounier-Jack, Michael Edelstein