221793 Need for vaccination information: Formative research results of Vi PS typhoid vaccine introduction in Karachi, Pakistan

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 2:48 PM - 3:06 PM

Mohammad Khan, MSc , International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
R. Leon Ochiai , Division of Translational Research, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
Though mortality and morbidity associated with typhoid fever declined from the use of new generation antimicrobials, incidence of culture proven typhoid fever in children remains as high as 50/1,000 child years in Pakistan. Vaccination may be considered as the best short-term control measure.

We conducted fourteen focus group discussions and 13 in-depth interviews with parents of school-going children, teachers and heads of schools, health care providers, religious and political leaders of the community to identify the modes of communication for a school-based typhoid vaccination program in Karachi.

Typhoid fever was considered a serious illness. Knowledge of preventive methods was very low. For the decision to immunize, parents preferred to consult their family doctor. Face-to-face sessions on health awareness were considered the best source of information followed by the use of mass media. Teachers and heads of schools considered consent from the parents as a key to increase vaccination coverage. Price was an important factor for parents in the decision-making process vaccination in schools. Parents showed reservations for vaccination of their children in the absence of comprehensive information; however, if enough information is provided on adverse events, duration of protection and cost of vaccine, they showed willingness for participation in the vaccination program.

Awareness in the community of typhoid fever and its prevention through vaccination can be increased through a comprehensive program that focuses on its safety, duration of protection and cost to users. The increased awareness in turn will affect typhoid fever vaccination acceptance and hence increased coverage in schools.

Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
To identify the modes of communication related to implementing a school-based vaccination program in Karachi.

Keywords: Immunizations, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have designed, executed, and supervised the analysis together with the other authors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.