Stakeholder perspectives of immunisation delivery for adolescents with disability in specialist schools in Victoria, Australia: 'we need a vaccination pathway'.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Stakeholder perspectives of immunisation delivery for adolescents with disability in specialist schools in Victoria, Australia: 'we need a vaccination pathway'.
Authors: Tuckerman, Jane, Mohamed, Yasmin, Justice, Frances, Andersson, Tove, Wyatt, Kerryann, Broun, Kate, Bastable, Alice, Overmars, Isabella, Kaufman, Jessica, Danchin, Margie
Source: BMC Public Health; 7/23/2024, Vol. 24 Issue 1, p1-10, 10p
Subject Terms: IMMUNIZATION, VACCINATION, VACCINATION coverage, TEENAGERS, STUDENTS with disabilities, HUMAN papillomavirus vaccines, ANTI-vaccination movement, SPECIAL education schools, PEOPLE with disabilities
Geographic Terms: VICTORIA
Company/Entity: UNICEF
Abstract: Background: Adolescents with disability have lower vaccination rates than the general population, including HPV vaccination. Understanding the multi-level influences on vaccination in specialist schools is crucial to achieve optimal vaccination coverage and vaccination experiences for adolescents living with disability. Objective: To identify and improve understanding of the facilitators and barriers of HPV vaccination among adolescents with intellectual disabilities or autism in Victorian specialist schools to inform strategies to increase vaccination acceptance and uptake. Methods: Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (adolescents with disabilities, parents, school and council immunisation staff) from six specialist schools in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Inductively derived themes were then deductively mapped across the UNICEF 'Journey to Immunization' model. Results: 32 interviews were conducted with stakeholders (2 adolescents, 7 parents, 13 school staff, 10 council staff). Trust in vaccines was high, but knowledge of the HPV vaccine was limited. Barriers included lack of accessible information for parents, the consent process, behavioural challenges and vaccine-related anxiety among students. The immunisation program in special schools was perceived as convenient, however preparing students for vaccination day and catering to individual student needs were key. Participants expressed a need for more parent information about options and additional support for vaccination outside of the school program. Conclusions: Our study identified a range of facilitators and barriers to the school immunisation program for students with disabilities in specialist schools. The next phase of this work will use co-design workshops to build on the suggestions for improvement and opportunities that could be leveraged to improve vaccination uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
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ISSN:14712458
DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-19322-y
Published in:BMC Public Health
Language:English