What influences communities to participate in vaccine trials? a rapid review of barriers and enablers to inform trials of streptococcus a vaccination
1
Centre > Health Equity in Regional and Remote Communities C>HERRC, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
2
Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
3
Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
4
School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections represent a major disease burden globally, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries, as well as First Nation peoples in high-income countries1. Its impact ranges from relatively mild throat/skin infections to severe conditions such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic heart disease. The Australian Strep-A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is an Australian-led global initiative to accelerate development of a vaccine and demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept2. ASAVI aims to ensure early access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to a safe vaccine. Consequently, this rapid review synthesised evidence of factors influencing engagement in vaccine trials, focussing on communities most susceptible to Strep-A infections and their sequelae.
METHODS:
A rapid qualitative review was conducted, focusing on existing systematic reviews and relevant individual studies by searching for papers related to recruitment barriers and facilitators in trials generally, as well as vaccine trials and trials undertaken in First Nations and paediatric contexts.
RESULTS:
Consistent themes were identified across all-health interventions and vaccine prevention trials, with recruitment to prevention trials being more challenging. Careful attention to trial design, appropriate styles and content of information, and trust are central to successful recruitment. The perceived value of the specific research and altruism (particularly in relation to community) can be strong motivators to participate. These themes are amplified in First Nations contexts. Skilful, respectful two-way communication styles, responsiveness to Indigenous worldviews/priorities, ease of access, trustworthiness of researchers and services, and the need for the ‘deep story’ of the disease all require detailed attention. Early and ongoing consultation with communities and co-design of trial logistics improve recruitment and retention.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overlaying lessons learnt from health intervention and vaccine trials with de-colonising approaches that value biomedical and Indigenous Australian cultural authority, augmented by trustworthy engagement with communities, can facilitate Strep-A vaccine trial recruitment to benefit high-risk communities.
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections represent a major disease burden globally, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries, as well as First Nation peoples in high-income countries1. Its impact ranges from relatively mild throat/skin infections to severe conditions such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic heart disease. The Australian Strep-A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is an Australian-led global initiative to accelerate development of a vaccine and demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept2. ASAVI aims to ensure early access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to a safe vaccine. Consequently, this rapid review synthesised evidence of factors influencing engagement in vaccine trials, focussing on communities most susceptible to Strep-A infections and their sequelae.
METHODS:
A rapid qualitative review was conducted, focusing on existing systematic reviews and relevant individual studies by searching for papers related to recruitment barriers and facilitators in trials generally, as well as vaccine trials and trials undertaken in First Nations and paediatric contexts.
RESULTS:
Consistent themes were identified across all-health interventions and vaccine prevention trials, with recruitment to prevention trials being more challenging. Careful attention to trial design, appropriate styles and content of information, and trust are central to successful recruitment. The perceived value of the specific research and altruism (particularly in relation to community) can be strong motivators to participate. These themes are amplified in First Nations contexts. Skilful, respectful two-way communication styles, responsiveness to Indigenous worldviews/priorities, ease of access, trustworthiness of researchers and services, and the need for the ‘deep story’ of the disease all require detailed attention. Early and ongoing consultation with communities and co-design of trial logistics improve recruitment and retention.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overlaying lessons learnt from health intervention and vaccine trials with de-colonising approaches that value biomedical and Indigenous Australian cultural authority, augmented by trustworthy engagement with communities, can facilitate Strep-A vaccine trial recruitment to benefit high-risk communities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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