We are currently conducting a study in partnership with the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (CRHCC) and Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNMC) to explore factors contributing to low vaccination rates in the Navajo Nation.
Background
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and adults have higher rates of infectious disease than the general U.S. population. Influenza (flu) and pneumonia rates are 1.8 times higher for AI/AN populations than in all U.S. races and AI/AN children have among the highest rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in the world.
These infections can be prevented through vaccination. However, immunization rates are declining in Tribal communities. In the latest immunization report for the Navajo Nation, only 69% of infants 3-4 months of age had received their first dose of routine infant immunizations. The proportion of adults 65 or older appropriately vaccinated for age has also dropped in recent years, with about 4 in 10 older adults fully protected against diseases like pneumococcus and shingles. With ongoing circulation of infectious diseases, there is an urgent need to improve levels of vaccine coverage in the Navajo Nation.
About the VaxUp Study
VaxUp is a community-based participatory research study that seeks to identify the diverse barriers to improving immunization coverage for children and adults in the Navajo Nation. This study is guided by communities in the Navajo Nation and involves understanding the problem from two key perspectives: healthcare workers and community members.
We are conducting surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups with individuals from both of these groups. As a final step, community members and health workers will collaboratively design solutions, including communication campaigns, River of Life journey mapping, and process mapping that build on community and health systems strengths.
The findings of this study will also inform the development of education and training for healthcare workers and messaging and engagement strategies for patients to promote vaccination uptake in the Navajo Nation.
This project is funded by the Tuba City Regional Health Care /CDC.
JHU IRB Number: IRB00029451
Navajo Nation IRB number: NNR-24.524