This training module from World Health Organization (WHO) describes how mid-level immunisation managers can work more effectively with the communities they serve and how communities can help in managing immunisation services. Intended for use by immunisation programme managers, health workers, and non-governmental (NGO) partners, the module has chapters on planning with the community, implementing and monitoring immunisation services with community involvement, effective communication for community involvement, and tools and channels for communicating information on immunisation.

The annexes include suggestions for NGO involvement in immunisation, tips for group discussions in the community, common questions about immunisation from the public and suggested answers, the information that health workers should give all caregivers, and other materials for education and promotion in the community. The module is also interspersed with learning activities to facilitate its use in training, and there is a companion facilitator’s guide.

Contents of the module include:

• "Introduction to the series - Modules in the mid-level managers series
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations and acronyms
•  Introduction to Module: Purpose of the module; What is a community?; The community’s role in service delivery; The manager’s relationship with the community;
• Planning with the community: 1) Situation analysis; 2)Type of community involvement; 3) Advocating for community participation; 4) Holding a community planning meeting; 5) Planning immunization sessions with communities
• Implementing and monitoring immunization services with the community: 1) Role of community mobilizers; 2) Monitoring community links with service delivery
• Effective communication for community involvement: 1) Communication in service delivery; 2) Preventing concerns, misconceptions, and rumours; 3) Involving the community in disease case detection and adverse events following immunization (AEFI)
• Tools and channels for communicating information on immunization: 1) Adapting key immunization messages for the community; 2) Communication channels: using radio, television, and printed materials

Annex 1: References

Annex 2: Questionnaire on NGO involvement in immunization

Annex 3: Tips for group discussion with the community

Annex 4: Addressing questions and concerns about immunization

Annex 5: Key information for health workers to provide about immunization

Annex 6: Materials for education and promotion on immunization"

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Immunization Basics Newsletter, accessed on October 22 2009.