Behavioural Insights and the evolving COVID-19 pandemic

Behavioural sciences have complemented medical and epidemiological sciences in the response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As vaccination uptake increases across the EU/EEA – including booster vaccinations - behavioural science research will remain important for both pandemic policy and communication. From a behavioural science perspective, the following four areas are key as the pandemic progresses: 1) Attaining and maintaining high levels of vaccination including booster doses in all groups in society, including in socially vulnerable populations, 2) Informing sustainable pandemic policies and ensuring continued adherence to basic prevention measures, 3) Minimising risk of COVID-19 during travels and holidays, and 4) Facilitating population preparedness and willingness to support and adhere to the reimposition of restrictions locally or regionally whenever outbreaks may occur. Based on mixed-methods research, expert consultations and engagement with communities, behavioural scientists advising on pandemic policies and communication thus have important contributions to make to prevent and effectively respond to local or regional outbreaks, and to minimize socio-economic and health disparities. In this Perspective we briefly outline these topics from a European perspective, while recognizing the importance of considering the specific context in individual countries.