51 Participatory approaches to designing effective vaccination interventions for migrant communities

Abstract WKS 8: Participatory approaches to designing effective vaccination interventions for migrant communities, B203 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 15:45 - 16:45 Migrants are often considered an under-immunised group due to missed vaccine doses during childhood or adolescence, non-systematic inclusion in national immunisation programs, and persistent barriers to vaccination in host countries. Participatory approaches have gained global attention, especially when working with historically underserved groups such as migrants. This workshop brings together researchers from both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income settings to explore strategies that promote vaccine uptake among migrant populations and discuss participatory and co-production approaches in migrant health research. Participants will first examine key challenges and evidence-informed strategies from European and LMIC experiences, highlighting the importance of adapting interventions to specific contexts. Presentations will then introduce the principles, values, and ethics of co-production in migrant health through an interactive exercise using the participation ladder. This activity will encourage reflection on different levels of participation in the participants’ local contexts, and how to foster meaningful community engagement in migrant health. Case studies from Morocco and the UK will show how participatory methods can be applied to design and implement vaccination interventions tailored to community needs, strengthen trust, and improve uptake. An open discussion will follow, allowing participants to share experiences, explore challenges, and exchange practical insights. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the structural and contextual barriers to migrant vaccination and leave with actionable ideas for inclusive, community-driven approaches.