The Need for Vaccination Information: Results From Formative Research of the Vi Polysaccharide Typhoid Vaccine Introduction Program In Karachi, Pakistan

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis: The formative research provided information to meet the objectives of the project’s social mobilization and communication activities. The objectives were: 1) to inform stakeholders of the purpose and benefits of the program, 2) to address stakeholders’ concerns and needs for information regarding the vaccination program, and 3) to motivate support for school-aged children’s participation in the program.

Methods: The research involved 14 focus groups with the parents of school-aged children and the teachers of their schools, and 13 individual interviews with school, religious and political leaders.  The data collection involved interactive and semi-structured discussions and interviews; the study then involved a qualitative analysis and consultative process to identify an effective social mobilization strategy, and relevant media channels and messages.

Results:  The study identified critical issues regarding typhoid fever, the Vi vaccine and the vaccination program.  Parents thought that typhoid fever was a dangerous disease and their families were vulnerable to it; they were interested in vaccination as a form of protection against it; they were comfortable with a school-based vaccination that followed professional standards; teachers and leaders needed information on typhoid fever, the characteristics of the vaccine, and the procedures and sponsors of the vaccination program in order to be comfortable to support participation; and meetings were the best form of information dissemination followed by mass media and printed materials.           

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of formative research in identifying an effective social mobilization and communication approach to increase awareness of typhoid fever and the safety and preventive benefits of vaccination against the disease among school-aged children. Identification and dissemination of relevant, community-based disease and vaccination information will increase demand and utilization of vaccination as an important and needed form of protection against typhoid fever.

Implications for research and/or practice: Finding from the study will be implemeted in crafting the startegies and  developing the Social Mobilization Tools for a mass school based social mobilization campiagn.