Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Childhood Vaccination with MMR, Flu, and HPV.

Overview. Engaging and involving the community in discussions about childhood vaccines involves establishing two-way communication channels to understand local concerns, address misinformation, and foster collective action towards increasing vaccination rates.[1] This approach leverages the power of community networks and trusted voices to build trust in vaccine science and encourage widespread immunization.[1] Identifying and collaborating with trusted community leaders, such as religious leaders, school administrators, or parent-teacher associations, allows for tailored messaging and outreach tailored to specific community needs.[1] Organizing community forums, town hall meetings, or vaccination clinics in reachable locations can provide opportunities for open discussions and address concerns directly.[1] In addition, utilizing appropriate communication materials and partnering with local media outlets can further amplify the message and ensure its reach across communities.[1] Examples of successful public health programs engaging communities include initiatives by the World Health Organization. (WHO) offering community toolkits with resources for local support efforts, and similar programs by local health departments organizing vaccination festivals with educational booths and entertainment for families.[2, 3] Peer-reviewed research suggests that community engagement can be highly effective.[1,2,3] Studies have shown that collaborative approaches involving trusted community leaders and open communication can improve vaccine acceptance, dispel myths, and ultimately increase childhood immunization rates.[4]

Evidence. Mixed Evidence. Strategies with this rating have been tested more than once with results that sometimes trend positive...

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source.

Potential Data Sources. Data to support this strategy can be accessed through:

• Community perception and awareness surveys
• Community partner satisfaction surveys
• Qualitative data from focus groups

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

• Health and Health Behaviors/Behavior Change. This strategy improves individuals' physical and mental health and their adoption of healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity).
• Access to/Receipt of Care. This strategy increases the ability for individuals to obtain healthcare services when needed, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.
• Utilization. This strategy improves the extent to which individuals and communities use available healthcare services.

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Policy Development and Enforcement (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Population/Systems-Focused

Examples from the Field. There are currently no ESMs that use this strategy. Search similar intervention components in the ESM database.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the RBA framework (see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).