Stakeholders Perspectives on the Introduction of an Additional Injectable Vaccine Under the Universal Immunization...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• India's National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommended typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) inclusion in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Introducing an additional injectable vaccine (AIV) may increase single-visit injections to four or five, raising concerns about program feasibility and parental acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of program managers, service providers, and caregivers on introducing an AIV in a single visit within the UIP.
• To identify potential challenges and preferences to inform effective AIV introduction strategies.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method study combining telephonic surveys (quantitative) with key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) (qualitative).
• Purposive sampling across eight states, districts, and planning units, involving 32 session sites.
• Thematic analysis for qualitative data and statistical analysis using STATA 17 for quantitative data.

Main Results:

• Program managers favored AIV introduction at the 9-12 months touchpoint, citing maternal emotional reactions as a concern.
• Vaccinators and mobilizers preferred the 16-24 months window and single-dose vials for vaccine delivery.
• Caregivers expressed fear of multiple injections but favored combination vaccines; no preference for specific AIV introduction timing was reported.

Conclusions:

• Stakeholder perspectives on AIV introduction into the UIP are varied, reflecting diverse concerns and preferences.
• Understanding these diverse views is crucial for developing a successful strategy for AIV implementation in India's immunization program.