Assessment of relevant cultural considerations is essential for the success of a vaccine.

This paper explores applications of social science research to international vaccine development and implementation. The paper discusses examples of vaccine-implementation controversies, suggesting that many of these issues could have been avoided with a greater focus on cultural issues regarding perceptions of disease, vaccination, and health services. The paper also discusses the relationship of theory-based behavioural interventions with the development of an overall vaccine strategy and examines experience of growing vaccine research with regard to perceptions of medical decision-making, acceptable practices, and authority and how these perceptions impact vaccine usage. The importance of social science in the ethical conduct of research is also discussed.