Studies

Immunization campaigns have had mixed reviews, resulting in low vaccination rates even with an available repository of vaccines. Depending on the setting and culture, a number of variables have been proposed to explain the low rate of vaccine uptake. This study aims to investigate information availability, digital literacy rates, and vaccination incentives, in the context of Bangladesh. 

Researchers: Sakib Mahmood; Asma Tabassum

Timeline: 2021–2022

Status: Ongoing

Method: 

Contact: Sakib Mahmood
sakib.mahmood@bracu.ac.bd

Context

While the supply of COVID-19 vaccines has been the primary constraining factor for many developing countries until now, the demand for vaccines has had challenges of its own. Vaccination roll-outs have received underwhelming responses, leading to low vaccination rates even when vaccines are available. Multiple factors have been hypothesized for the low uptake rate, depending on context and culture. In this study, BIGD will rigorously examine three factors and their interplay in low vaccination rates—information, digital literacy, and incentives—in the context of Bangladesh. 

Objectives

The study employs  a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to evaluate how each of the aforementioned factors influences immunization rates in Bangladesh. Previous studies suggest that only six percent of the eligible population has registered for vaccines. The study aims to delve deeper into the interplay of different variables to trace the inoculation process and its apparent inconsistencies.

Methodology

The RCT will consist of four arms where we randomly assign an eligible but unvaccinated population to one of four arms—three treatment arms and a control arm. The treatment will focus on the three factors mentioned above and alleviating the issues: 

1. Provision of information on vaccine effectiveness and risks: We intend to further randomize this arm according to the information that is being provided, e.g., statistics on mortality rates and infections, messages offered by community leaders vs. enumerators, minimizing risk to oneself vs. next of kin, etc. 
2. Assistance in the registration process: Enumerators will guide respondents through the web portal registration process in order to overcome the hurdle of digital literacy. 
3. Incentives: Provide respondents with direct cash transfers via mobile money for proof of immunization completion. 

Given the current scenario of COVID-19 upsurge and lockdowns, the interventions are expected to be carried out over the phone. Thus each participant in our population will be reached twice by enumerators—once for the intervention and a second time for the follow-up survey.

Findings and Recommendations

Study ongoing.