Increasing vaccination through identifying and addressing community-specific barriers
It is sometimes assumed that low vaccination uptake can be explained by vaccine skepticism alone. Yet, the reasons behind may be complex and require careful consideration. The WHO Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP) approach combines multiple data, BCI research and stakeholder engagement to uncover the barriers to and drivers of vaccination in specific communities in order to tailor a response. Applying the TIP approach to the Charedi Orthodox Jewish community in London, UK, showed that the main barriers were associated with access to and convenience of immunization services, rather than cultural or religious anti-vaccination sentiment. The insights generated through the TIP approach allowed developing targeted interventions, including flexible appointments in family-friendly surroundings and robust call and recall systems (1).
- Letley L, Rew V, Ahmed R, Habersaat KB, Paterson P, Chantler T et al. Tailoring immunisation programmes: using behavioural insights to identify barriers and enablers to childhood immunisations in a Jewish community in London, UK. Vaccine. 2018;36(31):4687–92. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.06.028
