Views on vaccination in a New Zealand rural Pasifika community: a qualitative study

Vaccination rates for Pasifika in Aotearoa New Zealand have fallen dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the decline in the South Island is not as great as in areas of greater Pasifika concentration, such as Auckland, rural Pasifika are under-represented in research, and it is important to investigate their perspectives.

The study aimed to explore knowledge of and perspectives on childhood vaccinations of a diverse rural Pasifika community in the South Island of New Zealand, and to identify underlying reasons for the recent decline in immunisation rates.

Interviews and focus groups, informed by a talanoa approach, were conducted with 12 female members of the Pasifika community in a rural NZ town with a large and growing Pasifika community. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis followed by iterative, inductive thematic analysis.

Five themes were identified that underlie vaccine uptake: (1) Established norms; (2) Knowledge about vaccination; (3) Experiences of vaccination or diseases; (4) Health professionals' communication; and (5) Logistical and practical concerns. Each theme encompasses both barriers and facilitators of vaccination.

Rural Pasifika communities are disadvantaged in terms of healthcare access both by rurality and by their minority ethnic status. Empowering individuals and communities to access, understand, and use health information is vital, especially for Pasifika navigating an unfamiliar system in rural areas, and when there have been negative vaccination experiences. Every health interaction should aim to build literacy, address concerns, and foster relationships, trust, and understanding.