IP25-111 - Rapid-Cycle Survey Collaborative for Public and Provider Input on Immunization Issues: Vaccine Policy Collaborative Initiative

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This project seeks to efficiently and effectively obtain input regarding important immunization issues through nationally representative surveys of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the public. This initiative includes several innovative elements: (1) the ability to survey a diverse range of HCPs who play key roles in vaccine administration and policy implementation, (2) the integration of nationally representative public voices to inform recommendations, and (3) a novel feedback mechanism that provides participants with accurate vaccine information to address knowledge gaps. The proposed study team – the Vaccine Policy Collaborative Initiative (VPCI) – has extensive experience in immunization-related survey research among both HCPs and the public. We bring deep and broad knowledge and experience with immunization policy and delivery, including current and past ACIP membership, with several of our investigators currently serving on one or more ACIP Work Groups. We will collaborate closely with CDC technical advisors to identify critical survey topics, and additionally elicit input from national groups of advisors—an Expert Advisory Committee and Community Advisory Committee—as well as from a Public Advisory Committee. The team will conduct a minimum of four surveys per year among HCPs and/or the public with the ability to provide preliminary data to CDC within two weeks of survey launch. Leveraging WebMD's Medscape subscriber network, we will survey HCPs, including primary care physicians, obstetricians, subspecialists, pharmacists, and advanced practice providers, to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to vaccination. Simultaneously, the Understanding America Study (UAS) will allow us to gather real-time insights from the public, including parents, pregnant women, persons living in rural areas, and adults at high risk of severe disease, to understand their vaccine perceptions, hesitancies, and access challenges. Findings will be rapidly disseminated to policymakers, professional societies, and public health organizations, with results presented to CDC, ACIP, and relevant stakeholders within weeks of survey completion. Based on our prior work, we expect to produce an average of five peer-reviewed manuscripts per year, each within 6-12 months from final data collection. This project will advance knowledge and understanding of vaccine policy-related issues and directly impact important policy decisions regarding vaccination of the US population.