Abstract
BackgroundIn Indonesia, oral rotavirus vaccines are available but not funded on the National Immunization Program (NIP). New immunization program introduction requires an assessment of community acceptance. For religiously observant Muslims in Indonesia, vaccine acceptance is further complicated by the use of porcine trypsin during manufacturing and the absence of halal labeling. In Indonesia, religious and community leaders and the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) are important resources for many religiously observant Muslims in decisions regarding the use of medicines, including vaccines. This study aimed to explore the views of religious and community leaders regarding the rotavirus vaccine to inform future communication strategies.MethodsTwenty semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with religious leaders and community representatives from two districts of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsAlthough there was recognition childhood diarrhoea can be severe and a vaccine was needed, few were aware of the vaccine. Participants believed a halal label was required for community acceptance, and maintenance of trust in their government and leaders. Participants considered themselves to be key players in promoting the vaccine to the community post-labeling.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for better stakeholder engagement prior to vaccine availability and the potentially important role of religious and community leaders in rotavirus vaccine acceptability in the majority Muslim community of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. These findings will assist with the development of strategies for new vaccine introduction in Indonesia.
Highlights
In Indonesia, oral rotavirus vaccines are available but not funded on the National Immunization Program (NIP)
While halal certification for the oral rotavirus vaccines have been issued in other countries, a certification has not been issued by Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI)
Low underlying knowledge about rotavirus disease The majority of participants had never heard of rotavirus as a cause of diarrhea, except three participants
Summary
In Indonesia, oral rotavirus vaccines are available but not funded on the National Immunization Program (NIP). In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on the collective opinion of Islamic religious scholars, pronouncing that animal-derived medical products, including vaccines, that undergo a transformation are considered clean [4]. In situations where the vaccine is still considered haram (prohibited), it is permissible with the understanding that it will prevent a life-threating disease and there are no equivalent alternative halal products available. Under this rationale, the use of oral polio vaccine was made permissible by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) in 2002 [5]. While halal certification for the oral rotavirus vaccines have been issued in other countries, a certification has not been issued by MUI
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