Communication for Polio Eradication & Routine Immunization — Quick Checklist

16 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Practical steps to plan and deliver polio and routine immunization communications.

• Identify priority communities and high-risk groups

  Use recent data and community input to target communication and vaccination efforts.

• Map and contact local influencers and community leaders

  Include religious leaders, teachers, and community health volunteers to boost trust.

• Convene a planning meeting with health teams and partners

  Agree roles, timelines, resources, and monitoring plans before outreach begins.

• Draft concise, culturally appropriate key messages

  Keep messages short, positive, and focused on safety and benefits.

• Translate and pilot messages with community members

  Test wording and tone with small groups to confirm clarity and acceptability.

• Select the best communication channels for each audience

  Match channels like radio, SMS, social media, and meetings to your audience.

• Prepare printed and digital materials (posters, scripts, SMS)

  Use clear visuals and simple language for low-literacy audiences.

• Obtain approval for messages and materials from authorities

  Secure sign-off to ensure consistent official messaging and avoid confusion.

• Schedule and announce vaccination sessions widely

  Publish dates, times, and locations through multiple local channels.

• Train health workers in interpersonal communication and consent

  Cover respectful dialogue, consent processes, and handling hesitancy.

• Practice role-play and Q&A with staff

  Run scenarios for common concerns and refusal responses.

• Set up a community feedback and rumor-tracking system

  Monitor social media, calls, and local reports for misinformation.

• Assign a feedback focal person and hotline for queries

  Designate a named contact and clear hours for rapid community response.

• Monitor vaccine uptake and adjust messages weekly

  Use simple indicators and brief updates to refine outreach.

• Prepare a clear response plan for adverse events and communicate it

  Outline clinical steps, reporting, and how you will inform the public.

• Document and report results to local leaders and partners

  Share coverage, challenges, and lessons learned for coordinated follow-up.

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