Special Opporuntiy for Vaccine Research

The purpose of this study is to better understand vaccination barriers and how they vary across different populations and propose potential solutions. Vaccine hesitancy is an increasing problem in a time of deep cultural divide and increasing mistrust of the medical system. Patients’ long-standing relationship with their primary care physician is crucial to widespread and equitable vaccine delivery. Relationships with primary care physicians are particularly important among marginalized populations with low historical vaccine uptake. Primary care physicians can provide personalized information and reassurance about vaccine safety and efficacy, tailored to the individual concerns of patients. This project will seek to identify strategies that can improve vaccination rates and reduce disparities in vaccine uptake in family medicine practices.

This study consists of two phases. The first phase includes virtual interviews. Our sampling frame indicates interviewing 6 physicians from Maryland who practice in primary care outpatient settings (3 rural and 3 urban). Interviews will last no more than 1 hour. Participants will receive a $100 e-gift card for their participation. The second phase is to create materials for primary care practices. We are looking for a few reviewers to critically examine the materials and offer suggestions for improvement (this phase, however, will not happen for at least 5 months from now). Reviewers will also receive a $100 e-gift card for their time.

Maryland Family Medicine physicians are invited to participate in a study that aims to learn about vaccine barriers to primary care in various states, including Maryland. The Robert Graham Center, in partnership with Sanofi, and the ABFM, is conducting a research project to understand vaccination barriers, exploring how they vary across different populations and proposing potential solutions. We hope that you will consider participating in this study.

There are two possibilities for participation:

For interviews: We would like to schedule one Microsoft Teams interview with you, which will take around one hour. Upon completion, we will provide a $100 e-gift card in compensation to thank you for your time.

For reviewers: We would like to invite you to participate on a reviewer panel to review materials that will be developed based on interview and other data. We estimate the material review will take around an hour and can be done anywhere. Once the materials are ready, we will email the materials with a set of instructions. Once the review is completed, you will email it back to us. Upon completion, we will provide a $100 e-gift card in compensation to thank you for your time.

Participation in this research project is completely voluntary. You can participate if you currently provide vaccinations.

For interviews: Interview data will only be accessible to the research team, and any reporting of findings will be de-identified to protect confidentiality.

If interested in participating in this research project, please reply via email to Melissa Fillippi and Anam Siddiqi. As an acknowledgement of your contribution to this vital research, you have the offer to chose any variety of a $100 e-gift card.

Please indicate whether you:

1) work in a practice setting, i.e., not retail or hospital

2) work in a rural, urban, or suburban area

3) describe your patient panel as low vaccine uptake, high vaccine uptake, neither low nor high vaccine uptake

4) would be interested in participating in an interview, as a reviewer, or either.

For interviews: Please suggest some dates and times that will work for you in the next few weeks.

Your time and input are appreciated!