E-learning: Effective communication around benefit and risk balance of vaccines

E-learning course
ECDC Virtual Academy
ECDC

This short, self-paced e-learning module will complement a project developed by ECDC in 2023 on vaccine acceptance (Effective communication around the benefit and risk balance of vaccines). The course will be based on the final outputs of the project. It will synthesise project findings and showcase identified good practices in vaccine communications.

Audience: This e-learning is designed for not only designed for involved in vaccination, but also for those who communicate about vaccines and are interested in learning or refreshing their knowledge on how to better communicate the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to different audiences.


Objectives: The e-learning seeks to support professionals in the countries’ public health authorities and other organisations in their work to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake in the EU/EEA. It aims to strengthen knowledge around communicating effectively about the balance between the benefits and risks of vaccination. 

After completing this e-learning, the participants should be able to: 

  • Describe how people’s risk perceptions around vaccines and infectious diseases influence vaccine acceptance and uptake.
  • Identify the challenges in the communication around the benefit and risk balance of vaccines. 
  • Propose an effective approach for the planning of communication on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which is tailored to specific audiences and focused on individual and community benefits outweighed against potential risks. 
  • Contrast the challenges and opportunities for implementation of good practices in vaccine communication.