Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-10-2025

Comments

This article is the author's final published version in Vaccine, Volume 72, Issue 2026, December 2025, Article Number 128098.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.128098. Copyright © The Author(s).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The development of the COVID-19 vaccine, a groundbreaking scientific advancement, also fueled vaccine hesitancy mainly due to vaccine misinformation and the limited public understanding of the new technology and its rapid pace of development and deployment. A variety of public health communication strategies have been used that include engaging the community in identifying and developing messages, using culturally appropriate communication methods, applying behavioral health principles, and storytelling. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the most relevant evidence from the research literature on storytelling interventions to mitigate COVID vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using the PICOS framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, examining studies across 16 databases published between 2020 and October 2025.

RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Studies involved diverse populations and four implementation themes (cultural relevance, emotional engagement, participant involvement and reach) were identified. The experimental and quasi-experimental studies consistently found that narratives elicited greater emotional engagement, heightened perceived credibility, and stronger identification with the messenger.

CONCLUSION: Storytelling is recognized as a critical component of public health campaigns in its ability to leverage the power of community influencers, such as religious leaders, educators, and local advocates who echo community values. Long-term cohort studies, community-based social marketing campaigns, and qualitative studies are needed to assess specific impacts on vaccination behaviors. Storytelling, when tailored to audience, culture, and context, can contribute to promotion of vaccination, particularly in improving trust, empathy, and misinformation.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

PubMed ID

41380396

Language

English

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