Some examples of formative research findings related to the OPV switch are provided Country formative research planning might involve additional audience groups and provide a wide range of audience roles, barriers and facilitators. Audience Role Barriers/Gaps Facilitating Factors Policy makers, Administrators Influencers, Opinion leaders Limited detailed knowledge about Switch timelines and milestones Some involvement in IPV introduction; participation in technical committee meetings Highly influential Health workers Trusted source of information for health issues, well respected in communities Unaware of Switch vaccine management protocols; do not feel confident addressing caregiver questions related to the switch (should they arise); feel overwhelmed by work involved. Overwhelmed with job responsibilities Highly influential contact point for caregivers; have access to households Have received training on IPV introduction Media Credible source of information, opinion shaper. Lack indepth knowledge about Switch processes; lack access to subject matter experts Influential for public opinion/wide reach Participated in orientations; involved in IPV introduction coverage Professional Medical Associations Highly influential and trusted. Unaware of Switch timeline, particularly synchronization across public and private sector Highly respected influential in communities; key source of information for caregivers. Strong presence and involvement of professional association in IPV introduction; strong network around the country NGOs and CSOs Trusted source of information Lack of indepth knowledge about Switch processes, timelines and rationale Strong presence at the community level; access to caregivers and households Part of RI/IPV planning and coordination committees. General Public Community elders and teachers very influential No knowledge about the OPV Switch Supportive of immunisation
Annex 1: Communication Planning with a Risk-Informed Approach Audience Risks Aim How What (supporting/reference documents) Message Themes (Need to know information) Prioritisation for OPV Switch communications Policy makers, Administrators Limited detailed knowledge about Switch timelines and milestones Very accessible to media Manage national communications plan Manage potential risks and take lead on AEFI communications Planning & coordination meeting. Orientations and briefings OPV Switch introductory materials Switch communications planning guide and template Issues management and guide for OPV switch OPV switch is part of the Polio Endgame Strategic Plan Timelines Information related to supply assessment, monitoring and logistics HIGH Paediatricaians, Physicians Limited engagement from Government and partners leading to confusion OPV switch timelines (synchronization), and compromising routine immunisation and polio eradication efforts Inform/equip national experts and influencers Planning & coordination meetings, orientations and briefings, Outreach to private sector and professional associations Stakeholder information pack: adaptable Powerpoint, fact sheet take-away Role in successful implementation of OPV switch. Switch timelines HIGH Health workers Unaware of Switch vaccine management protocols Frontline implementers informed and equipped for Training sessions Health worker training modules on OPV Switch Job Aid Roles and responsibilities in Switch implementation HIGH
Do not feel confident about addressing caregiver questions related to the switch Feel overwhelmed by work involved in OPV Switch implementation of switch FAQs Benefits of switching from tOPV to bOPV Responding to parental concerns regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness. Media Confusion about Switch rationale Misinformed media coverage about Polio Endgame Plan or AEFI media coverage Sensationalist media, influenced by anti-vaccine lobby Informed about Polio Endgame Plan Concerns and rumours addressed quickly and with transparency. Orientations and briefings Powerpoint, fact take-away Rationale and timelines for OPV switch Key step of Polio Endgame Plan. Poliovirus type 2 eradication! Contact details of subject matter experts MODERATE NGOs and CSOs Lack in-depth knowledge about Switch processes and timelines Easily accessible to media Informed Polio Endgame Plan Orientations and briefings Coordination platforms Powerpoint, fact sheet take-away explaining rationale for OPV switch it being a key step of Polio Endgame Plan Key step of Polio Endgame Plan. HIGH Beneficiaries/ Caregivers Rumours OPV Switch AEFI(s) in community lead to backlash against routine immunisation and polio eradication. Importance of IPV + OPV being best for the children reinforced Concerns addressed regarding routine and polio vaccines Community meetings; interpersonal communication at household level or health facility Routine immunisation and polio eradication broadcast media Key step of Polio Endgame Plan Poliovirus type 2 eradication! towards LOW (HIGH for crisis communications)