Immunization in Practice: Module 8: Building Community Support for Immunization

This is the last module of a pack of 8 modules on immunisation developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It describes the process of how to gain community support for immunisation and how to make the service responsive to community needs. The module details how to:

1. Hold meetings with the community to build support for immunisation services - including meeting with community leaders, religious leaders, parents, teachers, other groups (non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private health practitioners, etc.), "special groups" (e.g., nomadic groups, migrant workers, ethnic or other minority groups, families that fear contact with government, groups with difficult physical/geographical access, religious or traditional sects that refuse vaccination, refugees, homeless families or families in dense urban areas, street children);
2. Plan suitable immunisation sessions - "You must involve the community to plan when and where to hold immunization sessions and who can help.";
3. Mobilise the community using suitable methods and messages - "The best idea is to use a mix of methods so that you can reach the widest range of people."; and
4. Deal with rumours and misinformation - words of advice: react swiftly and adapt your ongoing activities to give a quick response; develop strong relationships and trust with your community in advance (religious, social and media groups); give clear and consistent messages; and take the time to deal with rumours.

Click here to access other modules in this pack of modules in PDF format, some of which focus on issues for improving relationships with the community.