Community willingness to participate in a Nipah vaccine trial in Bangladesh

Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly zoonotic disease with pandemic potential, prioritized by the World Health Organization for research and vaccine development. Since Bangladesh has faced annual NiV outbreaks and repeated spillovers since 2001, it is likely to be the site of a Phase II vaccine trial. This study explored people's knowledge about NiV and their willingness to participate in a NiV vaccine trial in Bangladesh.

We conducted a mixed methods study, collecting qualitative and quantitative data from Mirpur township, Dhaka, and NiV-affected Faridpur District. From December 2021 to November 2022, the team interviewed adult male and female respondents responsible for household treatment and vaccination decisions.

The team conducted 66 in-depth interviews and 978 survey interviews. Many in-depth interviewees were aware of NiV and, when asked if they would participate in a NiV vaccine trial, responded with one of three options: willing, unwilling, or would decide later. They were concerned about vaccine safety and side effects when making a decision about participation. In the survey, more respondents from Mirpur township, Dhaka, had heard about a disease transmitted from bats to people (57 %, 272/478 vs. 52 %, 262/500) and were willing to participate in a vaccine trial (45 %, 217/478 vs. 22 %, 111/500) than those from Faridpur. A high number expressed willingness to take an investigational NiV vaccine during an outbreak (Dhaka 75 %, 205/272 vs. Faridpur 81 %, 398/491 Faridpur). We did not find any association between knowledge about NiV and willingness to participate in a NiV vaccine trial.

Many respondents expressed willingness to participate in a NiV vaccine trial, especially during an outbreak, suggesting that such a trial may be feasible in Bangladesh. Given concerns about safety and side effects, clear communication on these issues may support informed participation.