Yarning about vaccinations: Empowering individuals to have supportive conversations with Aboriginal peoples about vaccinations, using a community-engaged approach

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of Aboriginal-led vaccine workshops to enhance knowledge, confidence and supportive conversations regarding scheduled and recommended vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Hunter New England, New South Wales, Australia. Methods: We adapted and indigenised an existing vaccine conversation program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people were recruited to workshops delivered either online or face to face. Results: Seventy participants attended the workshops. Most reported high satisfaction with the workshop content and format, and most reported increased confidence in having vaccine conversations. Post-workshop yarns highlighted the positive impact on community knowledge and collaboration. Conclusions: Aboriginal-informed and -led education enables and empowers service providers and community members to engage in supportive vaccine conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Implications for Public Health: These findings highlight the need for localised strategies to enhance vaccine understanding with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as offering valuable insights to tailor immunisation programs and rollouts of future vaccines. Key words: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, COVID-19, vaccination, education, community engagement