Spotlight on:
Health Equity - Improving Vaccine Uptake in Prison Populations

Health Equity - Improving Vaccine Uptake in Prison Populations

This Spotlight highlights work undertaken by researchers from UKHSA, working as part of an international research consortium RISE-Vac Project.

The project aimed to improve health outcomes for prison populations across Europe by promoting equitable access to health services and by working with individuals who have lived experience of imprisonment to promote vaccine literacy and increase vaccine uptake.

UKHSA, working with research partners, evaluated multiple vaccination strategies in prison settings across Europe and integrated these findings with data on vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and uptake among both staff and prison residents.

Using this data, UKHSA worked with EP:IC Research Consultancy, specialising in working with individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, to co-produce tailored information and training materials aimed at strengthening vaccine awareness.

Authors:
Joseph McGregor-Harper

Increasing vaccine uptake in prisons (image source: RISE-Vac / UKHSA)

Using Lived Experience to Strengthen Vaccine Uptake

By engaging with individuals with lived experience, researchers were able to better understand the priorities of those in prison and identify which health messages were most effective. Overall, the research demonstrated that the co-produced interventions improved vaccine literacy and uptake among both staff and prison populations, contributing to EU-wide guidance materials.

The RISE-Vac project reinforced the principle that prison health is public health, highlighting benefits beyond detention settings by addressing health challenges within a highly mobile population that experiences significant health inequalities before returning to the wider community.

Further Reading:

RISE-Vac Co-production of vaccine education materials with persons living in prison.

Authors: Laryea-Adekimi F, D’Arcy J, Bardelli A, et al. (2024)

Interventions to increase vaccine uptake among people who live and work in prisons: A global multistage scoping review.

Authors: Stöver, H. & Tacoschi, L. (2024)

For more information, including e-learning courses, awareness-raising brochures, educational animations, publications and guidance visit: RISE-Vac Website.

Using Lived Experience to Strengthen Vaccine Uptake

Increasing vaccine uptake in prison populations

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