Barriers experienced by families new to Alberta, Canada when accessing routine-childhood vaccinations
Abstract
As Canada and other high-income countries continue to welcome newcomers, this study aimed to 1) understand newcomer parents’ attitudes towards routine-childhood vaccinations (RCVs), and 2) identify barriers newcomer parents face when accessing RCVs in Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton and High River). Overall, parents in the focus groups were motivated and willing to vaccinate their children but experienced several barriers related to their capability and opportunity to access RCVs. Five main themes emerged: 1) lack of reputable information about RCVs, 2) language barriers when looking for information and asking questions about RCVs, 3) lack of access to a primary care provider
(PCP), 4) lack of affordable and convenient transportation options, and 5) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of available vaccine appointments. The findings highlight that several barriers faced by newcomer families ultimately stem from issues
related to accessing information about RCVs and the challenges families face once at vaccination clinics, highlighting opportunities for health systems to better support newcomers in accessing RCVs.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Social desirability bias may have affected what participants said in the focus groups.
Integration timeline: less than 5 years since arrival in Canada
Key findings:
- 5 major barriers for newcomer parents accessing routine-childhood vaccinations (RCVs) for their children: lack of access to info, language barriers, lack of access to a primary care provider (PCP), transportation barriers, and availability of vaccine appointments, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Other minor themes that emerged as challenges when accessing routine childhood vaccination include: not able to take time off work, lack of follow-up from PCP, lack of childcare, unpleasant interactions with PCPs, religious beliefs, a partner who does not believe in vaccines, and barriers for record sharing between countries.
Location:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- High River, Alberta
Community organizations:
- Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
- Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative
Key populations: newcomer parents with a child/children younger than 18 years old, who have been in Canada for less than 5 years
Key recommendations:
- Increase accessible information about RCVs for newcomers
- Implement interventions for the identified barriers (e.g. first-language appointments, providing childcare for other children during vaccine appointment)
- Partner with trusted community organizations who already have relationships with newcomers
Open access: Yes
