'Communicate to vaccinate' (COMMVAC). building evidence for improving communication about childhood vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a programme of research.

BACKGROUND: Effective provider-parent communication can improve childhood vaccination uptake and strengthen immunisation services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Building capacity to improve communication strategies has been neglected. Rigorous research exists but is not readily found or applicable to LMICs, making it difficult for policy makers to use it to inform vaccination policies and practice.The aim of this project is to build research knowledge and capacity to use evidence-based strategies for improving communication about childhood vaccinations with parents and communities in LMICs. METHODS AND DESIGN: This project is a mixed methods study with six sub-studies. In sub-study one, we will develop a systematic map of provider-parent communication interventions for childhood vaccinations by screening and extracting data from relevant literature. This map will inform sub-study two, in which we will develop a taxonomy of interventions to improve provider-parent communication around childhood vaccination. In sub-study three, the taxonomy will be populated with trial citations to create an evidence map, which will also identify how evidence is linked to communication barriers regarding vaccination. In the project's fourth sub-study, we will present the interventions map, taxonomy, and evidence map to international stakeholders to identify high-priority topics for systematic reviews of interventions to improve parent-provider communication for childhood vaccination. We will produce systematic reviews of the effects of high-priority interventions in the fifth sub-study. In the sixth and final sub-study of the project, evidence from the systematic reviews will be translated into accessible formats and messages for dissemination to LMICs. DISCUSSION: This project combines evidence mapping, conceptual and taxonomy development, priority setting, systematic reviews, and knowledge transfer. It will build and share concepts, terms, evidence, and resources to aid the development of communication strategies for effective vaccination programmes in LMICs.

Improving communication for immunisation in Africa: contribution of the Vaccines for Africa website.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: C. Wiysonge is a medical epidemiologist and Vaccinology Programme Manager at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He previously worked for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in Cameroon and has been a consultant on vaccines and immunisation for WHO and the GAVI Alliance. Z. Waggie is a Paediatrician and Senior Clinical Research Officer at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa. L. Rhoda is a communications specialist and Communications Manager at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town, South Africa. G. Hussey is a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinical Specialist and Professor of Child and Adolescent Health, Director of the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and Director of the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He has been a WHO part-time consultant on vaccines and immunisation for the past 10 years.