Risk Communication & �Community Engagement ��for �Community Health Workers to support �COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Uptake
Acknowledgment
This training package was developed to build national capacities and strengthen the skills of Community Health Workers to support the COVID-19 response including vaccine acceptance in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa (MENA) region. The training material was jointly developed by WHO EMRO, IFRC MENA and UNICEF MENARO. This work was based on their previous work on training content in RCCE for community health volunteers.
The content development was led by Dr. Dalia Samhouri, Peggy Hanna, Dr. Samar El Feky and Tamer El-Maghraby from WHO EMRO, Elham Elkafafy and Assem Saleh from IFRC MENA, Neha Kapil, Dr. Amaya Gillespie and Ken Limwame from UNICEF MENARO. Special thanks to Nadulpan LLC led by Dr. Nancy Claxton with contributions from Dr. Lisa Moussaoui for developing innovative training methodologies and approaches to foster adult learning for this package.
Sincere acknowledgment to WHO Syria Country Office, WHO Egypt Country Office, IFRC Syria Country Office, Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Egyptian Red Crescent and UNICEF Syria Country Office, and UNICEF Egypt Country Office for pilot testing the package in Syria and Egypt.
Contents
Introductory Peer Coaching (Session)
SLIDE 3
Communication Strategies (Session)
SLIDE 12
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels (Role Play)
SLIDE 24
Vaccinate Me (Game)
SLIDE 74
Infrastructural Barriers (Role Play)
SLIDE 66
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions (Session)
SLIDE 38
CHWs Staying Safe in the COVID-19 Pandemic (Session)
SLIDE 54
Vaccine Uptake (Debate)
SLIDE 59
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Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Introductory Peer Coaching
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
01
SESSION
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Get into Home Groups of 4 participants each.
Each participant introduces themselves and answers the question:
“A CHW’s most important job is…”
Back to Home Groups to share what was learned in Share Groups
1
COVID
transmission
routes
2
COVID
Prevention
strategies
3
Vaccine risks
& benefits
Plenary
4
Building trust
in community
minutes
5’
10-15’
30’
20’
Now count off by 4 to see which Share Group to join.
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Get into home groups of four participants each
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Now count off by four in your group
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Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Discuss: the CHW’s most important role
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minutes
5
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
All the 1s get together to discuss COVID transmission.
Get into share groups
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All the 2s get together to discuss COVID prevention.
All the 3s get together to discuss how vaccination protects us.
All the 4s get together to discuss how to address rumours.
minutes
15
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Back to home groups to share what was learned
minutes
30
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Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Plenary
minutes
20
Introductory Peer Coaching
01
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Communication Strategies
Communication Strategies
02
02
SESSION
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Communication Strategies
02
Consequences to misinformation
Communication Strategies
Rumour | Potential Consequence | Target Group which will suffer as a result of the rumour |
Drink bleach to prevent spread of COVID-19 | Could cause harm | Community members |
Clinics will make your infection worse | Could stop people accessing services | Community members needing medical attention |
This is a biological weapon made by community X against community Y | Could cause conflict | Community members fearful of other groups
|
You don't have to follow social distancing as long as you have not travelled out of the country or been in contact with someone who has. | Could result in risky behavior or putting your staff, family or community at risk. | Community members, family members, work colleagues, friends
|
02
Communication Strategies
Mythbusting
FACT:
FACT:
FACT:
02
How to respond
Overview
Myth: the vaccine is too new – it can’t be safe
Applying an Evidence-Based Formula
to Misinformation, Rumors & Myths
Reiterate fact
Address the myth
Start with fact
State the myth
SOURCE: Adapted from Lewandowsky, Stephan; Cook, John; Lombardi, Doug (2020): Debunking Handbook 2020. Nyhan B, Reifler J, Richey S, Freed GL. Effective messages in vaccine promotion: a randomized trial. Pediatrics. 2014 Apr;133(4):e835-42. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-2365 . Epub 2014 Mar 3. PMID: 24590751
02
How to respond
Communication Strategies
Start with fact
Some of the approved COVID-19 vaccines have been developed with messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA vaccine technology has been studied & developed for 10+ years, including in the development of vaccines for Zika, rabies and influenza. These mRNA vaccines have been rigorously assessed for safety. Clinical trials show that they provide a long-lasting immune response. mRNA vaccines are not live virus vaccines and cannot interfere with human DNA. The COVID-19 vaccine relies on ten years of mRNA research.
Lead with the facts - make it clear and easy to remember. Make it concrete and plausible.
Don't simply state 'That is not true'. Your goal is not to debate/argue with them. You want to present the facts to start.
"There’s a lot of information out there, and some of it is true, and some of it is not true. Let me tell you what I know.’”
02
Myth: the vaccine is too new – it can’t be safe
How to respond
Communication Strategies
A common myth is that the COVID-19 vaccine is too new to be safe, therefore people want to wait to see if it is safe.
Preface that a myth or misinformation is about to be stated. Repeat the misinformation that is being said - but only say it once. Say it directly before you say the correct information in the next step.
"A common myth is that the COVID-19 vaccine is too new to be safe.”
02
Myth: the vaccine is too new – it can’t be safe
State the myth
How to respond
Communication Strategies
This myth does not recognize the fact that these vaccines are built on DECADES of mRNA research. The COVID-19 vaccine uses the existing mRNA technology for the COVID-19 variant. The COVID-19 vaccine was tested through a rigorous process with multiple steps to ensure safety. All the vaccine components are rigorously tested to ensure it is safe for humans in different stages before it ever comes to you. The manufacturing of the vaccine undergoes many regulatory checks. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe as given to over 500 million people and counting. Each day that you wait, you continue to be at risk and put your family at risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
Explain - without judgment - how the myth misleads people.
"But thousands of doctors & scientists have worked for over ten years to develop the technology that was ultimately used to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. There were multiple steps to develop, test, trial and continuously check the efficacy and safety of the vaccine . Over 500 million people of every race, gender and age who are now vaccinated are safe from possible death and long-term consequences of COVID-19.”
Rather than simply telling them they are wrong, use empathy.
Point out the inconsistency(ies) in the logic that underlies the misinformation or myth.
02
Myth: the vaccine is too new – it can’t be safe
Address the myth
How to respond
Communication Strategies
Millions of people have safely received COVID-19 vaccines. All the approved COVID-19 vaccines have been carefully tested and continue to be monitored. Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines went through a rigorous, multi-stage testing process, including large clinical trials that involved tens of thousands of people. These trials are specifically designed to identify any safety concerns.
COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in large, randomized controlled trials that include people of a broad age range, both sexes, different ethnicities, and those with known medical conditions. The vaccines have shown a high level of efficacy across all populations. Vaccines have been found to be safe and effective in people with various underlying medical conditions that are associated with increased risk of severe disease, including high blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; pulmonary, liver or kidney disease; and chronic infections.
Finish by reinforcing the fact.
Respond to misinformation appropriately & show that you are listening to their concerns:
"I know this is a scary time. Tell me your concerns and I can share with you what I know.”
Repeat the fact multiple times, in different ways. If you can explain it seven times total, you are on the path to changing attitudes and behaviors.
"COVID-19 is a deadly disease and has killed millions thus far. The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most powerful weapons against infection. It has been tested repeatedly across many groups over different spans of time and is proven to be safe and effective in preventing severe sickness and death"
02
Reiterate fact
Myth: the vaccine is too new – it can’t be safe
Plenary
Communication Strategies
minutes
20
02
Questions to reflect upon
For those playing community members:
For those playing CHWs:
Communication Strategies
02
Final thoughts
Let’s look at the concerns/issues/myths that were identified in our brainstorm, but that we did not address in this session.
Identify the top two issues and we will brainstorm strategies that a CHW could use to address these concerns.
Communication Strategies
02
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
03
03
ROLE PLAY
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
03
Barriers that affect vaccine uptake
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Source: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/library/little-jab-book18-behavioral-science-strategies-increasing-vaccination-uptake.
There are common barriers that you will need to overcome
Structural barriers
Behavioral barriers
Informational barriers
03
Role Plays – Community with Varying Levels of Vaccine Acceptance
Vaccine hesitancy:
Vaccination is accepted but with delays, or it is rejected outright, despite availability (acceptance, delay, and/ or rejection of certain vaccines).
Active demand:
The public actively demands the services.
Rejection of all vaccines
Passive acceptance:
The public accepts vaccination services without seeking them out
Supply and access:
Availability of services and vaccinators for example, immunization services, knowledge and skills of health personnel.
Source: Adapted from SAGE Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. Report of the SAGE working group on Vaccine Hesitancy [Internet]. 2014
03
Spectrum of vaccine hesitancy/�acceptance
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Moving along the spectrum
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Hesitating
Rejecting
Activist
Accepting
Demanding
Advocating
03
Reasons to vaccinate or not vaccinate in the general population�
Recommendations of health staff or national guidelines
Self-protection
Recommendations of friends, family, colleagues
Awareness, knowledge about the disease or the vaccine
Perception of seriousness of the disease
Perception of high susceptibility to the disease
Belief in the benefits of the vaccine
To protect those around them
Social norms
Access
Religious reasons (e.g. Jewish obligation “to save lives“)
People around them are hesitant
Feeling it is not important to follow medical guidelines
Distrust of the pharmaceutical industry
Too old to get an HPV vaccine
Unnecessary to get vaccinated if everyone around them has
Not convenient to get vaccinated
High cost
Religious reasons
Sexual transmission of HPV and too young to be vaccinated
Vaccine not recommended by their doctor
Not enough information about the disease or vaccine
Belief in homeopathy or avoidance of medicine
Lack of knowledge about the disease or vaccine
Lack of concern
Distrust of government sources
Low perception of severity of this disease
Perception of ineffectiveness of the vaccine
Fear of needles or of the pain of vaccination
Other
Perception of low risk of getting the disease
Fear of adverse offense and regarding vaccine safety
Reasons for support
Reasons for hesitancy
Source: Adapted from Yaqub O, Castle-Clark S, Sevdalis N, Chataway J. Attitudes to vaccination: A critical review. Soc Sci Med. July1, 2014; 112:1-11.
03
Managing our own hesitancy/acceptance
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Vaccine not recommended by their doctor
Not enough information about the disease or vaccine
Lack of concern
Low perception of seriousness of the disease
Fear of needles or of the pain of vaccination
Other
Lack of knowledge about the disease or vaccine
Lack of time
Perception that the vaccine is ineffective
Perception of low risk of contracting the disease
Fear of adverse events and regarding vaccine safety
To protect patients
Self-protection
To protect others (excluding patients)
Access
Awareness, knowledge about the disease and the vaccine
Perception of high risk of contracting the disease
Belief in the benefits of vaccines
High perception of seriousness of the disease
To avoid missing work
Reasons for support
Reasons for hesitancy
Reasons to vaccinate or not vaccinate and health workers
Source: Adapted from Yaqub O, Castle-Clark S, Sevdalis N, Chataway J. Attitudes to vaccination: A critical review. Soc Sci Med. July1, 2014; 112:1-11.
03
How to respectfully address hesitancy
"There’s a lot of information out there, �some of it is true and some of it is not true. Let me tell you what I know.”
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
03
Communicating about AEFIs
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
03
Transcript
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
03
Spectrum levels and strategies
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Spectrum levels
Strategies
03
Let’s rate how Nadia does
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
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Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
Spectrum levels
Strategies
In groups of four, identify 1-2 strategies per spectrum level.
03
Plenary
Community with Varying Vaccine Acceptance Levels
minutes
20
03
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
04
04
SESSION
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Hesitating
Rejecting
Anti-Vax Activist
Accepting
Demanding
Advocating
overview
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Anti-Vax Activist
Reduce impact on other groups.
Oppose all / just COVID-19 vaccination, engage in protests. �May source and share misinformation about vaccine safety, particularly via social networks.
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Rejecting
Minimize the group size by good management of vaccine safety issues.
Rejection often based on safety concerns, but experience, perceptions and values could be involved.
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Hesitating
Listen and address concerns. Facilitate access to evidence-based information.
Due to the newness of disease, novel vaccine platforms and uncertainty surrounding vaccine safety, hesitancy/acceptance is dynamic and can be influenced by communication with trusted health care.
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Accepting
Address questions, provide resources.
Depends on motivation to be vaccinated, social/professional influences and the availability and access to a vaccine. May have questions about potential side effects.
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Demanding
Address questions.
Absolutely want a COVID-19 vaccine. High demand with low supply could lead to conflict and perceptions of “favoritism” that may diminish trust in the overall programme.
04
Factors influencing how people perceive of COVID-19 vaccine safety
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Advocating
Provide tools that address safety concerns.
Motivated by a personal experience or strong support of vaccination. Asset in safety communication, sharing information rapidly via their social networks.
04
Get into Home Groups of 4 participants each.
Each participant introduces themselves and answers the prompt:
“My community is…”
Back to Home Groups to share what was learned in Share Groups
1
Building and maintaining trust
2
Factors that affect vaccine acceptance
3
Exploring CHW vaccine hesitancy
Plenary
4
Managing misinformation
minutes
5’
10-15’
30’
20’
Now count off by 4 to see which Share Group to join.
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
04
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Get into home groups of four participants each
04
Now count off by four in your group
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
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Discuss: my community is…
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
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minutes
5
04
All the 1s get together to discuss building & maintaining trust.
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
Get into share groups
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All the 2s get together to discuss factors that affect vaccine acceptance in community.
All the 3s get together to discuss exploring vaccine hesitancy/�acceptance in CHWs.
All the 4s get together to discuss managing misinformation.
minutes
15
04
Back to home groups to share what was learned
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
minutes
30
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Plenary
Peer Coaching on Norms and Perceptions
minutes
20
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Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
CHWs Staying Safe in the COVID-19 Pandemic
CHWs Staying Safe in �the COVID-19 Pandemic
05
05
SESSION
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
CHWs Staying Safe in the COVID-19 Pandemic
05
Brainstorming challenges
05
Question set to facilitate towards solutions
CHWs Staying Safe in the COVID-19 Pandemic
05
Plenary
CHWs Staying Safe in the COVID-19 Pandemic
minutes
20
05
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Vaccine Uptake
Vaccine Uptake
06
06
DEBATE
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Vaccine Uptake
06
Vaccine Uptake
06
Vaccine hesitancy:
Vaccination is accepted but with delays, or it is rejected outright, despite availability (acceptance, delay, and/ or rejection of certain vaccines).
Active demand:
The public actively demands the services.
Rejection of all vaccines
Passive acceptance:
The public accepts vaccination services without seeking them out
Supply and access:
Availability of services and vaccinators for example, immunization services, knowledge and skills of health personnel.
Source: Adapted from SAGE Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. Report of the SAGE working group on Vaccine Hesitancy [Internet]. 2014
Spectrum of vaccine hesitancy/�acceptance
I do not want the vaccine
CON
I want the vaccine as soon as I can get it
PRO
Vaccine Uptake
06
Debate overview
Round | Explanation | |
1. Preparation | Teams have time to prepare the points they can present to defend the view they have been assigned. They decide which two people will make their arguments in the actual debate. | |
2. PRO presents arguments | The PRO team explains why their viewpoint is the best. | |
3. CON presents arguments | The CON team explains why their viewpoint is the best. | |
4. Team discussion & preparation | The teams both have time to gather and plan their next arguments privately. | |
5. PRO team criticises CON’s points | The PRO team criticises the CON team’s viewpoint and arguments. | |
6. CON team criticises PRO’s points | The CON team criticises the PRO team’s viewpoint and arguments. | |
7. Team discussion & preparation | The teams both have time to gather and plan their next arguments privately. | |
8. PRO response to criticism | The PRO team has a chance to defend themselves from the points that the CON team raised against them. | |
9. CON response to criticism | The CON team has a chance to defend themselves from the points that the PRO team raised against them. | |
10. Team discussion & preparation | The teams both have time to gather and plan their next arguments privately. | |
11. PRO final argument | PRO team makes their final arguments about why their viewpoint is better and why. | |
12. CON final argument | CON team makes their final arguments about why their viewpoint is better and why. | |
minutes
15’
3’
3’
1.5’
3’
3’
1.5’
3’
3’
1.5’
1’
1’
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Vaccine Uptake
COVID-19 vaccine uptake debate guidelines
The facilitator will keep time. You may not go beyond your allowed time. �The teams will get time to prepare before each debate round.
Only the two chosen representatives from each team may talk during the debate.�During the team discussion and prep times, the representatives will meet with their team to plan the next round. Talking is encouraged!
Team members may pass written notes to the speakers during the debate.
Vaccine Uptake
06
Plenary
Vaccine Uptake
minutes
20
06
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Infrastructural Barriers
Infrastructural Barriers
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07
ROLE PLAY
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Infrastructural Barriers
07
Infrastructural Barriers
Maya
a CHW from a small community.
“Let’s brainstorm some ways that Maya might respond.”
07
Obstacles and strategies
Infrastructural Barriers
Obstacles
Strategies
07
Let’s rate how Maya does
Infrastructural Barriers
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3
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Infrastructural Barriers
Obstacles
Strategies
In groups of three, identify 1-2 obstacles
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Role plays
Infrastructural Barriers
07
Plenary
Infrastructural Barriers
minutes
20
07
Introductory �Peer Coaching Session
Vaccinate Me
Vaccinate Me
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08
GAME
Learning objectives
As a result of this session, active learners will be better able to:
Vaccinate Me
08
Vaccinate Me game
The purpose of the game is to see the financial, physical, mental and emotional struggles that a person will likely face if they refuse the vaccine.
Vaccinate Me
The goal of the game is to reach the finish line successfully having at least 1 Health Coin (HC) in your ‘bank statement.’
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The board game components:
Vaccinate Me
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08
Play the game
Plenary
Vaccinate Me
minutes
20
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Evaluation
LEVEL 1
Conducted today
LEVEL 2
Conducted today
LEVEL 3
Sent to you in three months.
We will check in on how you brought this learning back to your community.