University of Nottingham: East Midlands volunteers needed for study into vaccine hesitancy
Parents or carers of pre-school children (under 6 years old) and healthcare professionals in the East Midlands are needed for a study about their experiences of vaccination.
Social scientists at the University of Nottingham are seeking to interview these groups of people as part of an €2.9 million international project called VAX-TRUST.
The experts are looking to explore more about the concept of what is termed ‘vaccine hesitancy’ – this is when individuals may have concerns about some or all recommended vaccines.
The EU-funded VAX-TRUST project aims to improve communication between health professionals and parents on the topic of childhood vaccination.
Researchers from the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham are conducting the research in the East Midlands, with similar research being carried out by teams in six other European countries, including: Finland, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy and Portugal.
Pru Hobson-West, Professor of Science, Medicine and Society, is leading the study at the University of Nottingham. Professor Hobson-West said: “Vaccination is a fascinating topic, and we are keen to understand more about the experiences of those involved in childhood vaccination in the East Midlands region.”
We would like to learn more about what it is like to deliver childhood vaccines, as well as the experiences of parents with young children. The study team are committed to exploring a range of perspectives, including from those who may concerns or questions about vaccination. Our aim is to provide a non-judgmental opportunity for vaccination to be discussed.
Pru Hobson-West, Professor of Science, Medicine and Society
The interviews will be conducted online, lasting around one hour, and will be completely confidential. Those who wish to take part must live in the East Midlands.
VAX-TRUST is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and aims to improve understanding of vaccine hesitancy in specific local regions, and compare this in international perspective.