Cover image: © UNICEF/UN0300709/Zaidi

About the course

Developed jointly by UNICEF and WHO, the Immunization eLearning Initiative provides all immunization staff with access to training in areas deemed vital to improving vaccine confidence and uptake among all population, particularly in areas with large number of unvaccinated and under vaccinated children. 

This learning programme on “Communication for Immunization” provides all immunization staff with a better understanding of: 

  • how communication impacts immunization programs and outcomes 

  • how effective communication activities are planned, executed, supervised and monitored 

Through the construction of a variety of Community-Informed Communication Plans, you will acquire the skills and know-how to lead successful communication campaigns for immunization.

Learning objectives

At the end of this course you will be able to:

  • List the ways that communication activities impact immunization program goals, globally, regionally, and at all levels within a country 
  • List the ways that Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) and the Social Ecological Model (SEM) can influence positive behavioural changes in immunization 
  • Identify the purpose, components and steps involved in developing a Community-Informed SBC Plan 
  • Use data to identify behavioural and social barriers to achieving immunization program objectives within a specific population, and articulate the communication interventions and goals required to overcome those barriers

Audience

This elearning course is for all national and international World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF professionals involved in immunization programs. It is also open to consultants and partners working in support of immunization.

Length

It should take ± 3 hours to complete this course. Each module should take 20-45 minutes to complete and must be completed in the order presented.

Methodology

This learning programme takes the learner through the step-by-step development of Community-Informed Communication Plans and related activities. The learner is submerged in experiential lessons consisting of quests where he or she will meet different characters and address specific problems regarding immunization coverage and planning.

Structure

This course is organized into 5 modules or "Quests": 

Quest 1: Research & Analysis 

Travel to the country of Panacea and visit the district of Iaso where you will help apply strategic communication for immunization using Social and Behaviour Change analytical and planning tools. 

Quest 2: Objectives & Strategies 

Return to the district of Iaso, where you will continue the Community-Informed SBC Plan you started in Quest 1 by identifying SMART objectives and appropriate communication strategies and activities. 

Quest 3: Research, Analysis, Objectives & Strategic Design 

Visit the district of Aceso and apply the skills you acquired in the previous quests. Specifically, you will analyze the existing communication strategies and if required, propose some improvements. 

Quest 4: Channels, Messages & Pretesting 

Travel to the district of Aglæa where you will partake in channel analysis as to select the best way to communicate your immunization core messages while crafting communication campaign messages and pre-testing the material. 

Quest 5: Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation 

Following up on the Community-Informed SBC Plan developed in the district of Aceso, prepare an implementation plan as well as a monitoring and evaluation plan.  

Certificate

The course certificate can be generated once the learner completes all the modules. 

Contact details

For questions or feedback on this programme, please contact Deepa Risal Pokharel, Senior Adviser, Social & Behaviour Change at drpokharel@unicef.org