Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Challenges and opportunities of communicating vaccine safety in developing countries

15^th Annual Summit on Vaccines and Immunization

February 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany

Edison Arwanire Mworozi and Joseph Rujumba

Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Makerere University, Uganda

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Immunization has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective public health intervention which has led to decreased burden of infectious diseases leading to improved life expectancy, decreased mortality and morbidly globally but less so in developing countries. The decrease in infectious diseases and their negative effects has led to public complacency and questioning the need for further immunization of children and raised concerns about vaccine safety. Purpose: Aim of this study is to describe some of the challenges and opportunities to communicate vaccine safety in developing countries. Methods: Literature review and observation. Results: There is a widening gap in access to vaccines between developed and developing counties. Successful immunizations programs depend to large extend on the immunization acceptance. One of the factors leading to low immunization coverage rates in developing countries is concern about vaccine safety which may be real but often perceived. Effective vaccine safety communication is important in ensuring vaccine acceptance and improved immunization coverage in developing countries (Fig.1). Key challenges in communicating vaccine safety in developing countries includes: Illiteracy, limited access to information, multiple ethnic groups with many languages, poor health and other infrastructure, negative cultural and religious beliefs, inadequate social mobilization, inadequate number of health workers, inadequate knowledge and skills and poor motivation of health workers, negative and inaccurate messaging, vaccine hesitancy, inadequate funding and political interference. The major opportunities to enhance vaccine safety communication includes: Strong donor support, availability of administrate, political, cultural structures at national, and community levels; existing community and non-government organizations and growing print and electronic media. Conclusion & Recommendations: Communicating vaccine safety in developing countries needs to be strengthened by addressing cultural, political, infrastructure, knowledge and skill gaps; and dispelling negative messaging. This process can tap into existing opportunities at international, national and community levels.

Biography :

Email: emworozi@gmail.com