Strategies to strengthen childhood vaccination uptake: a qualitative study exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families' perspectives

Introduction

Childhood vaccination is a highly cost-effective public health strategy, yet routine immunisation rates have declined yearly across Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Survey instruments used to understand drivers of vaccination have not been developed with or validated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and may not reflect their lived experiences or priorities. This study aimed to understand factors shaping access to and acceptance of childhood vaccination from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family perspectives to inform targeted strategies and potential culturally appropriate survey tools.