Checklist for preparedness: are you prepared for an event that may erode public trust in immunization? World Health Organization vaccine safety supporting document

How to use this document This document provides a checklist to test if your country is well prepared for events that may potentially erode trust in vaccines and the health system. The checklist provides inspiration and may point to areas where there is need for improvement. It is also a good point of departure for discussions and planning with regard to immunization communication and crisis response. Use the document to prepare for a meeting with key stakeholders or as a starting point for discussions on vaccine crisis communication. How was this document developed? This document is part of a WHO series of supporting documents concerning events that could erode confidence in vaccination. Such events can be related to vaccine safety, adverse events following immunization, changes in the vaccination programme, negative public debate, outbreaks or pandemics. All documents were developed based on scientific evidence, laboratory research and fieldwork within psychology, social and behavioural science and communication and lessons learnt in countries. For an introduction to the theoretical background and evidence, refer to the WHO publication Vaccination and trust, available here: www.euro.who.int/ vaccinetrust. The supporting documents are intended for use by national • ministries of health • centers for disease control • immunization programmes • regulatory authority institutions. World Health Organization vaccine safety supporting document Checklist for preparedness Are you prepared for an event that may erode public trust in immunization? 1 Checklist for preparedness 2 Are you prepared for an event that may erode public trust in immunization? To test if you country is prepared, go through the checklist in your vaccine communications working group or at a meeting with national authorities involved in vaccine communications activities. Events that may erode trust Many events have the potential to erode confidence in vaccines and in the authorities delivering them. Such events can be related to vaccine safety, side effects or other events following vaccination; changes in the vaccination programme; a negative focus in public debate or media coverage on vaccination; or outbreak or pandemic situations. Checklist for preparedness • A vaccine communication working group, or similar collaboration mechanism, has been established. • It is clear how stakeholders representing different ministries/public institutions and different technical areas of expertise coordinate in a crisis. • The crisis communication plan defines rapid approval mechanisms during a crisis (e.g. for press releases). • The crisis communication plan is reviewed once a year. Coordination and collaboration To READ MORE refer to: • Template Terms of Reference for vaccine communication working group euro.who.int/vaccinetrust • A crisis communication plan has been developed • The crisis communication plan has been shared with all relevant stakeholders, including decision-makers, allies and influencers • The crisis communication plan has been endorsed by senior management • The crisis communication plan is flexible, so that it is applicable for different kinds of crises. Crisis communication planning Notes Notes To READ MORE refer to: • Crisis communications template plan euro.who.int/vaccinetrust Checklist for preparedness 3 • Ongoing efforts strengthen relations with media editors and journalists. • Journalists and editors are trained to build their knowledge on vaccination. • Mechanisms are in place to ensure that media inquiries are answered during a crisis. • A media contacts list has been developed and is being maintained. • A list of external (third party) experts who would be effective information sources for the media has been developed (with experts and strong spokespersons). Media • It is clear who is responsible for ensuring website information and a press release within a few hours in case of a crisis • Clear guidelines on speedy dissemination of information to regional and local levels are in place. • Spokespersons have been trained. • Holding statements and messages have been developed. • A list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) on immunization has been prepared. • Background rates have been calculated. Crisis response mechanisms To READ MORE refer to: • Four immediate steps when responding to an event that may erode trust • How to ensure a context-specific response to events that may erode trust • Background rates: knowing the frequency of serious health conditions • Death as an AEFI • How to prepare a press release • How to prepare a message map euro.who.int/vaccinetrust To READ MORE refer to: • Setting the media agenda • Safety events: planning the immediate media response • The questions journalists always ask in a crisis • Tips for spokespersons • Strategies used by journalists euro.who.int/vaccinetrust Notes Notes Checklist for preparedness Document number: WHO/EURO:2017-3368-43127-60374 © World Health Organization 2017 All rights reserved. This information material is intended for a limited audience only. It may not be reviewed, abstracted, quoted, reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated or adapted, in part or in whole, in any form or by any means. 4 • There are ongoing efforts to build relations with people who influence opinions on vaccination. • Strong routine communication efforts ensure public awareness of risks and benefits of immunization and diseases. • Research has been conducted to understand the factors that drive vaccination acceptance and demand. • Public opinion on vaccines is monitored so that new issues can be detected and responded to. • Frontline health workers have been trained in vaccine safety and in communicating with parents and beneficiaries. Decision makers, allies and influencers Public To READ MORE refer to: • Stakeholder management euro.who.int/vaccinetrust To READ MORE refer to: • Four critical elements in the ongoing work to build and maintain confidence • How to monitor public opinion euro.who.int/vaccinetrust Notes Notes