ABSTRACT:
Vaccine hesitancy is recognized as a major threat to global health; however, the traditional research paradigm centered on “dispelling negative beliefs” has encountered significant limitations. This article proposes a novel perspective: shifting the focus from “individual vaccine hesitancy” to building a “Vaccine Social License.” Through a systematic review of the conceptual origins, multidimensional theoretical frameworks, and practical implications of “social license,” this paper introduces an integrated conceptual framework that reframes the research perspective on vaccination psychology and behavior—from “why individuals refuse” to “why communities accept.” An integrative theoretical model is constructed, incorporating micro-level individual traits, meso-level interpersonal networks, and macro-level socio-ecological factors. Finally, within the perspective of behavioral public health, a three-dimensional action agenda is proposed, advocating a shift from “persuasion” to “empowerment,” from “generalization” to “precision,” and from “management” to “co-governance.” This provides a constructive new pathway for improving vaccination rates, moving from “passive compliance” to “active co-creation.”