Behavioural sciences has complemented medical and epidemiological sciences in the response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As vaccination uptake increases across the EU/EEA, and we move from the pandemic to an endemic phase, behavioural science research will remain important for both pandemic policy and communication. From a behavioural science perspective, the following four areas are key in the next stage of the pandemic response: 1) Attaining and maintaining high levels of vaccination in all groups in society, including in socially vulnerable populations, 2) Ensuring continued adherence to basic prevention measures, at least until sufficient people in all groups in society have been well-informed and vaccinated, 3) Promoting and supporting safe travelling 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.
Behavioural perspective on the transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to an endemic phase