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Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Virtual Reality Intervention to Support COVID-19 Vaccination Among Black
Francis J Real1,2, Andrea Meisman3, Julie Wijesooriya4
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Medical Extended Reality
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Low pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake, especially in Black children, necessitates culturally sensitive communication. A virtual reality (VR) intervention was co-created with Black families to improve vaccine acceptance and clinician communication skills.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Low pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake is a significant public health concern, particularly within Black communities.
- Effective, culturally appropriate communication strategies are essential for pediatric clinicians to address vaccine hesitancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To co-create a virtual reality (VR) intervention using Intervention Mapping (IM) to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Black families.
- To enhance pediatric clinicians' communication skills regarding COVID-19 vaccination through a VR-based training program.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a six-step Intervention Mapping (IM) framework, including quantitative and qualitative data collection.
- Engaged Black community stakeholders (adolescents, young adults, caregivers) and pediatric clinicians in program design via planning boards and a modified Delphi technique.
- Developed the Virtual Immersive Communication Training on Recommending Immunization COVID-19 (VICTORY) VR intervention.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a VR intervention tailored to the needs and preferences of Black families.
- Identified key caregiver, adolescent, and young adult factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine intention and decisions.
- Established consensus on salient vaccine concerns and communication preferences through rigorous methods.
Conclusions:
- Collaboration with patients and families is crucial for developing interventions on sensitive clinical topics with limited existing data.
- Rigorous methodologies like the modified Delphi approach facilitate consensus-building.
- Strong community relationships are vital for implementing culturally informed, technology-based health interventions, especially in urgent situations.