The published paper provided support for JITSUVAX, suggesting that empathetic communication from healthcare professionals was important in tackling misinformation around vaccines, which in turn contributed to patients overcoming their vaccine hesitancy.  

Dr Dawn Holford says: "Although we expected people to respond more positively to an empathetic approach in general, it was surprising how much greater the preference for this type of communication was among people who who expressed concerns about vaccination.  

"The study highlights that addressing misinformation, especially among vaccine hesitancy groups, can play a crucial role in changing perceptions that are difficult to change." 

The JITSUVAX project is funded by EU Horizon 2020, coordinated by the University of Bristol working with 6 other insititutions in the EU and Canada.