Questions and Answers about Immunization in Timor-Leste: A Guide for Local Leaders, Volunteers, and Community Groups

This question and answer (Q&A) booklet was produced in an effort to present clear information about the basics of immunisation to community health volunteers and community leaders in Timor-Leste and to assist them in their efforts to respond to the public's questions. It explores issues including:

• What Is Immunization and How Does It Work? - sample communication-related strategy: "Before immunization was available, many children died from measles, polio, TB, whooping cough and tetanus. Ask the elders. They will tell you. Today, children are better protected from these diseases through immunization, so more children grow well and survive."
• Who Should Be Immunized and How? - sample communication-related strategy: "Caregivers should try to have the child fully immunized before his or her first birthday. Parents who achieve this should be congratulated by health workers and community leaders. However, if a child has not completed the basic immunizations by the first birthday, the parents and health worker should work together to be sure that the child receives all the missing ones as soon as possible."
• Concerns of Some Parents - sample communication-related strategy: "Parents should: listen to the health worker's information carefully, ask any question they have, and follow the advice on side effects."

The booklet was produced by IMMUNIZATIONbasics, a 5-year project (2004-2009) that aimed to improve the ability of governments and collaborating organisations to deliver and maintain the coverage of quality immunisation services. It was established in 2004 by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Global Bureau, Division of Health, Infectious Disease and Nutrition (USAID/HIDN) and was managed by the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), with partners Abt Associates, the Academy for Educational Development (AED), and the Manoff Group.

For more information, contact:

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.

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