Having a real say: findings from first nations community panels on pandemic influenza vaccine distribution

• Published in: BMC Public Health
• Main Authors: Kristy Crooks, Kylie Taylor, Kiara Burns, Sandy Campbell, Chris Degeling, Jane Williams, Ross Andrews, Peter Massey, Jodie McVernon, Adrian Miller
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2023
• Subjects: First Nations; Governance; Pandemic Influenza vaccination; Public health policy; Public deliberation; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17262-7; https://doaj.org/article/2d40f999e1cc45e7866921478f86720a

Abstract Background Recent deliberations by Australian public health researchers and practitioners produced an ethical framework of how decisions should be made to distribute pandemic influenza vaccine. The outcome of the deliberations was that the population should be considered in two categories, Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 1 groups being offered access to the pandemic influenza vaccine before other groups. However, the public health researchers and practitioners recognised the importance of making space for public opinion and sought to understand citizens values and preferences, especially First Nations peoples. Methods We conducted First Nations Community Panels in two Australian locations in 2019 to assess First Nations people’s informed views through a deliberative process on pandemic influenza vaccination distribution strategies. Panels were asked to make decisions on priority levels, coverage and vaccine doses. Results Two panels were conducted with eighteen First Nations participants from a range of ages who were purposively recruited through local community networks. Panels heard presentations from public health experts, cross-examined expert presenters and deliberated on the issues. Both panels agreed that First Nations peoples be assigned Level 1 priority, be offered pandemic influenza vaccination before other groups, and be offered two doses of vaccine. Reasons for this decision included First Nations people’s lives, culture and families are important; are at-risk of severe health outcomes; and experience barriers and challenges to accessing safe, quality and culturally appropriate healthcare. We found that communication strategies, utilising and upskilling the First Nations health workforce, and targeted vaccination strategies are important elements in pandemic preparedness and response with First Nations peoples. Conclusions First Nations Community Panels supported prioritising First Nations peoples for pandemic influenza vaccination distribution and offering greater protection by using a ...