84 Supporting migrant immunisation: enhancing peer-to-peer and community connector communication approaches in Australia

Abstract OP 34: Diseases and Interventions 2, B304 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 10:15 - 11:15 Aims Australia has one of the most comprehensive immunisation programs in the world. Yet we have individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds are under-immunised. This includes for scheduled vaccines across the lifespan, as well as vaccines recommended for travel and occupational risk. To improve vaccine coverage and reduce the current inequities, strategies must look beyond traditional approaches. This program of work includes studies focused on peer-to-peer and community connector communication efforts to improve uptake. Methods Drawing on qualitative and quantitative studies undertaken over the last 3 years, this talk will explore the community’s acceptance of these communication strategies, as well as explore the training and support needs of CaLD community connectors who volunteered to support vaccine promotion efforts for their communities. Results While healthcare workers are a trusted voice for many people, messages about immunisation are still not reaching everyone. Our study findings reinforce that civil society organizations play a crucial role in creating trusted spaces for dialogue about vaccines. Moreover, the presence of community connectors can lead to improved vaccine literacy among community members. The challenge is that this is currently an underutilised approach to supporting immunisation in Australia. Our quantitative data showed very few people had been exposed to vaccination information via these channels. One of the key issues is the lack of training and support for these community connectors and organisations focused on communication and immunisation. Conclusions Our research stresses the importance of thinking outside the box on how and where vaccine information can be shared with CaLD community members. There will continue to be gaps in coverage if we don’t start actively partnering with community organisations and trusted voices from CaLD communities, and drawing on their local knowledge and their capacity to effectively engage with people from shared language or cultural groups.