Acceptability of a future HIV vaccine: A rapid scoping review

Abstract

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine is not available yet, but perceptions of HIV vaccines will be important to explore before their roll-out for effective vaccine promotion. This paper presents the findings of a rapid scoping review of the literature to identify individual, social, and vaccine-related factors associated with the acceptability of a future HIV vaccine. We searched five databases (Medline OVID, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane) using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings. All articles, regardless of study design, publication year, and geographic location, were included if they examined HIV vaccine acceptability and its underlying factors. We retrieved 2,386 unique articles, of which 76 were included in the final review. Perceived benefits (34.2%) and perceived susceptibility (25.0%) were primary individual factors of HIV vaccine acceptability. Misinformation (17.1%) and distrust (22.4%) regarding future HIV vaccines, HIV stigma (30.3%), and social support (10.5%) were social factors of HIV vaccine acceptability. Vaccine efficacy (42.1%), cost (28.9%) and side effects (67.1%) were common vaccine characteristics influencing HIV vaccine acceptability. Altruism (10.5%) and risk compensation (26.3%) were also key factors. Our analyses revealed that skeptical beliefs, negative perceptions, and misconceptions about HIV vaccines are real barriers to their acceptability. To alleviate HIV vaccine hesitancy and address trust concerns, strategic vaccine communication should be disseminated by trustworthy sources. Messages should impart accurate vaccine information and emphasize both individual and social benefits of HIV vaccination, as well as leverage social support in increasing willingness to get a future HIV vaccine.