Grant: Op Grant: Improved Immunization Coverage Initiative - First Nations/Inuit/Métis

Currently available data suggests that children living in First Nations (FNs) communities have much lower immunization coverage levels than Canadian children elsewhere. However, it is possible that this is not a true measurement, since any vaccines administered to children outside of these communities are not included in current calculations. In Alberta, there is a unique opportunity to calculate immunization coverage using information on vaccines administered both in and outside FNs communities, due to new agreements on data-sharing in the province. This project will use this new approach to determine complete and accurate measurement of immunization coverage in children in two Alberta FNs communities. The second part of our project is to identify the barriers and supports to childhood immunizations in FNs communities, as it is believed that structural and historical factors may prevent FNs children's access or uptake of immunization. We will explore this issue by (a) observing immunization visits and community infrastructure, (b) interviewing people involved in childhood immunizations, such as parents, public health nurses, community leaders, and officials from federal and the provincial governments, and (c) reviewing relevant documents, such as immunization and health policies, clinical practice guidelines, etc. By analysing all three of these data sources, we will better understand the barriers and supports to immunization. This collaborative project is being conducted with FNs partners and will incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and respect for FNs governance. The project will inform potential solutions to improve methods for ongoing monitoring of immunization coverage of FNs children and help FNs communities and health authorities to identify gaps in services provided to FNs children. These findings will guide decision-makers regarding policy and practices to improve immunization access and uptake through development of culturally appropriate solutions