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Lookup NU author(s): Jan Lecouturier, Professor Falko Sniehotta
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 The AuthorsBackground: UK local authority public health teams (LAPHT) supported delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, particularly to disadvantaged populations. We explored the challenges encountered and lessons learnt by LAPHTs in tackling low Covid-19 vaccine uptake. The aim of this study was to understand what works, and how, in addressing local inequalities in relation to uptake of the Covid-19 vaccination with a view to generalising insights to building back fairer after the pandemic and into the future. Study design: Qualitative. Method: We conducted in-depth on-line interviews with Directors of Public Health or their representatives from 21 English local authorities covering a total population of over 8 million people. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Accessing the requisite (and accurate) data, engaging with communities, and working with National Health Service (NHS) organisations presented challenges in delivering initiatives to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for disadvantaged groups. LAPHT's assets beneficial to the programme - in-depth knowledge and experience of their communities and locality - were not considered in the national vaccination programme. Community engagement and relationships with local NHS featured heavily in the majority of LAPHTs responses to improving vaccine uptake rates. Conclusions: Incorporating local public health infrastructure, expertise and existing relationships into national vaccination planning during epidemics or pandemics is crucial. Community engagement and good relationships with NHS staff help to reach and serve disadvantaged populations. How these can be developed and maintained in the longer term without future investment was a concern. Future research should explore the design and implementation of PH and NHS joint service delivery models to tackle health inequalities, informed by experiences of the Covid-19 vaccination programme and with input from community partners.
Author(s): Lecouturier J, Kelly MP, Sniehotta FF
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Public Health in Practice
Year: 2024
Volume: 8
Print publication date: 01/12/2024
Online publication date: 25/10/2024
Acceptance date: 08/10/2024
Date deposited: 11/11/2024
ISSN (electronic): 2666-5352
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100551
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100551
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