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A scoping review of literature exploring factors affecting vaccine uptake within Roma communities across Europe

ABSTRACT Introduction Vaccine hesitancy is described by the WHO as one of the top threats to global health. The trajectory of the current COVID-19 pandemic depends upon the vaccination of a global population; therefore, barriers to routine vaccination within marginalized groups considered vaccine hesitant are of critical importance. Consistently, vaccination levels within Roma communities across Europe rate very poorly in comparison with general population coverage, and a number of measles and hepatitis outbreaks over the past 10 years have included Roma communities. This study aims to identify barriers to Roma vaccination in general with a view to informing analysis of potential low levels of vaccination within Roma communities for COVID-19. Areas covered The research question explores factors and barriers affecting general vaccine (non-COVID-19 vaccine) uptake within Roma communities across Europe. This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey & O’Malley framework, complying with PRISMA-SR for Scoping Review guidelines. Expert opinion Using Thomson’s 5A’s Taxonomy, access was identified as the greatest barrier to vaccination within Roma communities. Access factors had the greatest number of references in this scoping review and were considered the most relevant in terms of increasing vaccination uptake. Important access themes identified are health system issues, socioeconomic conditions, and mobility.