Vaccination in the post pandemic era - a qualitative study of the experiences of Somali immigrants

Abstract Background The Somali population is the largest non-European immigrant group in Norway and past studies have indicated lower coverage for both childhood vaccines and COVID-19. However, little is known about views and experiences of vaccination among this group and how their experiences might impact their vaccination decision-making process. This study explored views and experiences with vaccination among Somali immigrants in Norway. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 participants in the fall of 2022. To better understand the participants’ perceptions of vaccine information, the data was inductively analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results Based on the thematic analysis, we focused on four sub themes: 1) the impact of COVID-19 on views of vaccines; 2) new versus old vaccines; 3) childhood vaccination; 4) trust in vaccines. The study found that the participants’ experiences during the pandemic have impacted their views on vaccination in general. Many of the participants expressed positive views and high levels of trust in the Norwegian health authorities and their vaccination recommendations. It was found that having sufficient information and trust in vaccination recommendations contributed to higher vaccine readiness. Viewing vaccines as new and insufficiently tested or researched, as well as lacking information about potential side-effects, increased participants’ hesitancy when faced with vaccination decisions. Among the parents in this study, postponing the measles-mumps-rubella-vaccine due to fear of autism was a common occurrence. Conclusions The current study fills an important gap in knowledge about views, experiences, and vaccination decisions among the Somali population in Norway. Knowledge from this study can help adapt better vaccine information and further improve the prevention of infectious diseases in Norway in general and for under-vaccinated groups in particular. Key messages • Having sufficient information and trust in vaccination recommendations contributed to higher vaccine readiness. • Viewing vaccines as new and insufficiently tested/researched, as well as lacking information about potential side-effects, increased participants’ vaccine hesitancy.