Monday, 07 March 2022
Parents or carers of pre-school children (under 6 years old) and healthcare professionals in the East Midlands are needed for a study about their experiences of vaccination.
Social scientists at the University of Nottingham are seeking to interview these groups of people as part of an €2.9 million international project called VAX-TRUST.
The experts are looking to explore more about the concept of what is termed ‘vaccine hesitancy’ – this is when individuals may have concerns about some or all recommended vaccines.
The EU-funded VAX-TRUST project aims to improve communication between health professionals and parents on the topic of childhood vaccination.
Researchers from the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham are conducting the research in the East Midlands, with similar research being carried out by teams in six other European countries, including: Finland, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy and Portugal.
Pru Hobson-West, Professor of Science, Medicine and Society, is leading the study at the University of Nottingham. Professor Hobson-West said: "Vaccination is a fascinating topic, and we are keen to understand more about the experiences of those involved in childhood vaccination in the East Midlands region."
We would like to learn more about what it is like to deliver childhood vaccines, as well as the experiences of parents with young children. The study team are committed to exploring a range of perspectives, including from those who may concerns or questions about vaccination. Our aim is to provide a non-judgmental opportunity for vaccination to be discussed.
The interviews will be conducted online, lasting around one hour, and will be completely confidential. Those who wish to take part must live in the East Midlands.
VAX-TRUST is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and aims to improve understanding of vaccine hesitancy in specific local regions, and compare this in international perspective.
To take part: Parents of pre-school aged children who consider themselves to have questions or concerns about vaccination, or healthcare professions involved in discussing or administering childhood vaccinations (for example, a nurse, GP, or paediatrician) are invited to find out more about the study at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/vax-trust/interviews.aspx.
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More information is available from Professor Pru Hobson-West, in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham at Pru.Hobson-West@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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