World Immunisation Week 2026: Congratulations to Alexis Gozo who has earned two conference awards for a study that sheds fresh light on why COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy persists in Ghana. The 5C framework is used to assess the psychological antecedents of vaccine behavior, offering a comprehensive tool to diagnose why people delay or refuse vaccinations Conducted as part of an intercalated Honours degree in Infectious Diseases and supervised by Dr Emily O’Reilly, the project synthesised the social, cultural and structural factors shaping vaccine attitudes using the 5C framework.Alexis' study explored why some individuals and communities in Ghana are hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines, drawing on the 5C framework to examine confidence in vaccines and health systems, complacency related to perceived disease risk, constraints such as access barriers and information gaps, calculation in weighing perceived risks and benefits, and the sense of collective responsibility to protect others. Hesitancy and distrust The research found that vaccine hesitancy in Ghana is driven by an interplay of mistrust and misinformation, concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, limited access to reliable health information, and broader social and religious influences. These factors combine to shape decision-making at both individual and community levels. Implications for public health The findings underscore the need for locally tailored public health approaches that build trust through meaningful community engagement, improve the clarity and credibility of health communication, and address access barriers in culturally appropriate ways. With the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries, the study highlights the importance of understanding the specific drivers of hesitancy to inform more effective responses in future pandemics. Recognition and awards Alexis presented the work as a poster with a five-minute talk at two conferences, receiving awards at both.She won Doctor’s Choice for Best Poster Presentation at the African Caribbean Medical Society Edinburgh x Black Medics UK Conference, and Students’ Choice for Best Poster Presentation at the Students for Global Health x Edinburgh University Global Health Society National Conference. I am really honoured to have received these awards for work that is so close to my heart. As a Ghanaian myself, it was especially meaningful to explore more deeply at how trust, communication and context shape public health outcomes in Ghana. I am grateful to have presented this work at both conferences and see it recognised in spaces that value global health and the voices of Black medical students and professionals” Alexis Gozo Edinburgh Medical School Vaccine hesitancy is a major global health challenge and as the success of immunisation programmes relies on sustained public confidence in vaccination, maintaining confidence across communities and contexts is critical. As such, vaccine hesitancy represents a critically important area of study, particularly for future doctors and other healthcare professionals who will play a key role in addressing it.Reflecting this importance, I supervise a number of undergraduate research projects on vaccine hesitancy within the Biomedical Sciences each year. These projects have become increasingly popular and provide valuable opportunities for students to explore the social, behavioural, and scientific factors influencing vaccine uptake. Alexis’ project was an outstanding example, demonstrating both academic excellence and meaningful impact in advancing understanding within this field. Alexis is passionate about global health and it was a pleasure to supervise her work. Emily O'Reilly Lecturer, Edinburgh Medical School Related links World Immunisation Week 2026Edinburgh Medical SchoolAlexis Gozo LinkedinEmily O'Reilly Linkedin Publication date 27 Apr, 2026
