Identifying and understanding challenges to inform new approaches to improve vaccination rates: A qualitative study in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and understand challenges to inform new strategies to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate according to involved vaccinators' perspectives in Belitung, Indonesia. Design: A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Methods: Online interviews and chatting were done among 11 vaccinators for data collection between August 2021 and January 2022. Data were analyzed using a content analysis model. Findings: Four main themes emerged, including (1) communication strategies (evidence-based, electronic-based, and culturally based communication), (2) cross-sectoral strategies (collaboration with police, religious leaders, customary leaders, heads of village divisions, and non-governmental organizations), (3) “picking-up the ball” system (home visits for elderly and people with disability and school visits for children), and (4) setting-up priorities (between mandatory vaccines and boosters). Conclusion: Despite making vaccination mandatory, the roles of communication, cross-sectoral innovations, “picking-up the ball” system, and priority setting may have useful potential to improve vaccination rates. Clinical Relevance: The findings may serve as an input to overcome challenges and accelerate the vaccination coverage in Indonesia and beyond. However, further research is needed.