Prosocial polio vaccination in Israel

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922746117
• Publication Date: 2020-05-26T20:19:39Z
• Authors: Chad R. Wells; Amit Huppert; Meagan C. Fitzpat...; Abhishek Pandey; Baruch Velan; Burton H. Singer; Chris T. Bauch; Alison P. Galvani
• Keywords: Prosocial Behavior; Polio Vaccination; Poliomyelitis eradication; Polio vaccine; Disease Eradication

Regions with insufficient vaccination have hindered worldwide poliomyelitis eradication, as they are vulnerable to sporadic outbreaks through reintroduction of the disease. Despite Israel’s having been declared polio-free in 1988, a routine sewage surveillance program detected polio 2013. To curtail transmission, Israel Ministry Health launched vaccine campaign vaccinate children—who had only received inactivated vaccine—with oral (OPV). Determining degree prosocial motivation behavior is challenging because typically provides direct benefits individual well indirect community by curtailing transmission. However, OPV unique and excellent opportunity quantify model its primary objective was avert Using survey data game-theoretical model, we examine during campaign. We found that observed Israeli attributable heterogeneous perceived risk paralysis based on individual’s comprehension nature also benefit increasing would be limited if even 24% population acts primarily from self-interest, greater coverage no personal utility them. Our results suggest improve coverage, communication efforts should focus alleviating fears surrounding vaccine.