Click the project titles below to find out more about what the SABII team is working on.
UNDERSTANDING & MAKING POSITIVE CHANGE
Domestic
National Influenza Vaccination Insights
Investigators: Julie Leask, Maria Christou-Ergos, Majdi Sabahelzain, Margie Danchin (MCRI), Jessica Kaufman (MCRI), Maryke Steffens (NCIRS), Kasia Bolsewicz (NCIRS)
Funding: NHMRC
Timeframe: 2023- ongoing
Project Description:
SABII researchers are working closely with the Social Science team at the National Centre for Immunization Research and Surveillance and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to investigate reasons for suboptimal vaccine coverage in Australia. SABII leads the adult component of The National Vaccination Insights Project which provides ongoing monitoring of the barriers and drivers of influenza vaccination in Australian adults.
In 2023, we worked closely with the World Health Organization to adapt and validate existing tools to measure the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Influenza vaccination. In 2024, and 2025 the adapted survey was used to measure drivers of influenza vaccination in the Australian adult population, and in-depth interviews provided additional insights.
Findings have informed influenza vaccination campaigns and have been shared with key immunization stakeholders to inform policy and programme decisions. Survey data collection will be repeated in 2026 and ongoing monitoring will facilitate comparisons in sentiment over time to further refine timely interventions and prompt action to address reductions in confidence.
A summary of key study findings can be found here.
Understanding factors influencing decreased childhood vaccine uptake amongst communities in Western Sydney
Investigators: Ikram Abdi, Rebika Nepali, Majdi Sabahelzain, Julie Leask, Salwa Gabriel, Monika Latanik, Conrad Moreira, Catherine Bateman, Sophie Norton, Shopna Bag
Funding: NHMRC
Timeframe: 2024-2025
Project description: There has been a decline in vaccination coverage for 12-month-old children since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in two localities in the Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) of Western Sydney: Auburn and Holroyd. Experiences from WSLHD Public Health Unit (PHU) Immunisation Team in the field over the past two years suggest a combination of factors may be contributing to this including fear and distrust associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the factors contributing to this decline is crucial for developing tailored public health strategies that are appropriate for the communities concerned. This research aims to explore the factors underlying decreased vaccine uptake in children aged up to 5 years to improve vaccine uptake, gain feedback on existing programmatic efforts and inform new approaches by the Western Sydney Local Health District.
Closing the Vaccination Gap – Understanding and overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Aboriginal pregnant women, their babies, and adolescents in WA
Investigators: Prof Anne-Mare Eades, Prof Dr Christopher Blyth, Assoc Prof Zoe Bradfield, Prof Juli Coffin, Prof Julie Leask, Tilsa Guima, Prof Katie Attwell, Prof Faye McMillan, Ms Melanie Robinson & Ms Francine Eades
Timeframe: 2026 – 2028
Funding: Stan Perron Foundation
Project Description: The program aims to identify and implement strategies to improve vaccine knowledge, access and uptake, and develop policy recommendations to improve vaccine uptake. The program will achieve this by conducting a body working consisting of two studies. Study 1 will explore vaccination barriers and enablers, and study 2 will develop an intervention educational program for health professionals. The educational program involves workshops informed by the Yarning About Vaccination model from NSW. This project proposal will use an Aboriginal co-design framework to co-design and implement educational resources to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination uptake and healthcare delivery for Aboriginal pregnant women and their children. SABII are supporting the workshop design, delivery and evaluation.
Preparing Australia for the next pandemic: Journalists experiences of reporting controversial topics during the COVID-19 pandemic
Investigators: Julie Leask, Claire Hooker, Pen Robinson, Stephanie Mantilla, Jane Williams. Lyn Gilbert (USYD), Chris Degeling (UoW), , Su-yin Hor (UTS)
Funding: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant and Investigator Grant
Timeframe: 2022-2024
Project Description: This qualitative study is exploring the challenges journalists faced in reporting on COVID-19 in Australia by documenting and analysing journalists’ experiences, perspectives, and challenges. It involves in-depth interviews with reporters, editors and producers from major Australia media outlets across print, radio and television.
Strategies to communicate uncertainty about vaccination – A scoping review
Investigators: Julie Leask, Hassan Vally (Deakin University), Maria Christou-Ergos, Adeline Tinessia
Timeframe: 2024-2025
Project description: Uncertainty is inherent in population health science and its presence and how uncertainty is communicated, can influence how individuals interpret and perceive risks and make decisions. Individuals’ attitudes towards vaccines are shaped by their perceptions of associated risks and benefits, and uncertainties about vaccines encompass a spectrum of concerns and doubts about vaccine safety, efficacy, and side effects.
Communicating vaccine uncertainty is critical to informing people, being transparent about knowledge of risk to address people’s questions and concerns and engender trust in vaccination programs. This literature review seeks to identify, synthesise, and understand the effectiveness of existing strategies for communicating scientific uncertainty about vaccination.
Evaluating the ‘Vaccination @ Concord’ initiative for Sydney Local Health District
Investigators: Julie Leask, Pen Robinson, Maria Christou-Ergos, Ikram Abdi
Timeframe: 2025-2026
Project description: SABII researchers are using qualitative research methods to evaluate the “Vaccination @ Concord” initiative. The initiative is being implemented at Concord General Repatriation Hospital and seeks to improve vaccination coverage in adults attending the hospital’s health facilities. The research team will conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and insights generated will inform ongoing implementation and support the initiative in achieving its intended outcomes.
Global
Measuring Behavioural and Social Drivers of vaccination – BeSD
Funding: World Health Organization and NHMRC
Timeframe: 2022-2026
Project Description: SABII has undertaken work for the World Health Organization to support the implementation of tools for Measuring the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) which include surveys and in-depth interview guides that identify the main factors influencing vaccine uptake from the perspective of individuals. Between 2018 and 2022, Professor Leask chaired the BeSD working group and development of the tools. Dr Wiley was a member of the group. The tools have been used in over 115 countries to inform policy and programs. SABII have since supported the development of training and intervention briefs.
Resilient demand in immunisation
Investigators: Julie Leask, Meru Sheel (IDIE: Infectious Diseases, Immunisation and Emergencies), Madeleine Randell, Ikram Abdi, Catherine King, Maria Christou-Ergos, Majdi Sabahelzain, Penelope Robinson.
Funding: World Health Organization
Timeframe: 2024-2026
Project Description: This project is a collaboration between SABII and the Infectious Diseases, Immunisation and Emergencies group. It aims to understand the factors which contributed to changes in confidence in routine immunization during the pandemic. It aims to provide insights into factors that promote resilient demand for vaccination and inform future planning and prioritisation. The project focuses on 10 low-and-middle-income countries from each of the World Health Organization regions which did or did not sustain EPI during the COVID-19 pandemic and involves a rapid review of the literature, key informant interviews and in-depth case studies of five of the countries.
Attitudes to mRNA in humans and non-human animals
Investigators: Kerrie Wiley, Jane Williams, Chris Degeling (University of Wollongong)
Funding: NHMRC
Timeframe: 2025-2026
Project Description: mRNA technology as a platform for vaccines was used to great effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also a source of controversy for pockets of the population. Concern shifted to the use of mRNA vaccines in cattle, with an online campaign warning consumers of the imagined danger of eating meat and drinking milk from mRNA-vaccinated livestock. In 2025, the United States government announced a winding back of funding for mRNA vaccine research.
We are conducting a mixed methods program of research to better understand Australians’ attitudes to mRNA vaccines, both in humans and in livestock that is used for milk and meat. In 2025 we conducted a survey of 2500 Australians to find out if they think about mRNA vaccination differently from vaccines that use traditional methods, if they would have an mRNA vaccine in future, their thoughts about mRNA vaccine use in humans and consuming milk and meat from livestock that have received mRNA vaccines. In 2026 we are undertaking a qualitative interview study to better understand the opinions of people who are opposed to and people who are supportive of vaccines that use mRNA technology.
Regional
Tracking confidence in institutions and vaccines pre-and post COVID-19: Case studies from three regions
Investigators: Majdi Sabahelzain, Ikram Abd, Madeleine Randel, Hans Bosma, Julie Leask and Kerrie Wiley
Funding: NHMRC
Timeframe: 2024-2025
Project description: In this study, we analyse trends in confidence in institutions and vaccines before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the correlation between these factors after the pandemic in three selected countries, India, Morocco, and the Netherlands. We assessed publicly available data on vaccine and institutional confidence through the World Value Survey (WVS) and the Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP).
Aquaculture vaccination
- Collaborating with researchers from University of Sydney Veterinary School, The University of Glasgow and Sokine University if Agriculture (Tanzania) to assess disease prevention practices and needs, including vaccination in open cage fish farming industry in Lake Victoria, Tanzania (funded Sydney University / Glasgow University Ignition grant scheme). A 2024 output is this report: Healthy Aquaculture in Tanzania: Assessing Current Challenges and Potential Solutions [pdf download English version] [pdf download Swahili version].
- Collaborating with Sydney University Veterinary School on a key informant study of the Australian aquaculture landscape, including diagnostic capability and practices to inform planning and policy (Funded by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation).
Exploring the role of religious leader in routine immunisation in Indonesia (PhD project)
Investigators: Adeline Tinessia, Julie Leask, Meru Sheel, Bagas Suryo Bintoro (Universitas Gajah Mada)
Timeframe: 2024-2027
Project description: This project aims to examine the role of religious leaders in routine immunisation in Indonesia. The project will investigate religious leaders and institutions’ embedment into national immunisation policies, understand how religious leaders are being utilised into routine immunisation program, explore religious leaders’ understanding of routine immunsiation, their beliefs, and hwo they perceive their role, and propose evidence-based recommendations for working with religious leaders to enhance immunisation coverage and community engagement.
Joint human and animal vaccination strategies to reach mobile pastoralists and their livestock in Africa
Investigators: Majdi Sabahelzain, Adeline Tinessia, Catherine King, Rebika Nepali, Siddig Mohamedali, Janeth George, Victoria J. Brookes, Kerrie Wiley
Project description: This research identifies and explores non-hierarchical models for delivering health services to mobile pastoralist populations in Africa, specifically focusing on the co-delivery of human and animal vaccinations. Livestock is vital for the sustenance and economic well-being of pastoralists, making animal health a critical priority. The study aims to explore equitable strategies to engage marginalised mobile communities, including nomads, in order to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children while ensuring that interventions respect their mobility and lifestyle. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on the One Health model across Sub-Saharan Africa and provides a comprehensive assessment and synthesis of these interventions.
Understanding Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention in Australia (PhD project)
Investigators: Rebika Nepali, Assoc. Prof. Kerrie Wiley
Timeframe: 2024-2027
Project Description: Understanding the awareness and knowledge about mosquito borne diseases in Australia and the social and behavioural drivers of mosquito borne disease prevention, with a focus on Japanese Encephalitis vaccination. Collaborating on Japanese Encephalitis disease spread model development in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.
POLICY & PRACTICE SUPPORT
Policy and Practice
Policy and Program-level Approaches to Improving Vaccine Uptake for Refugee and Migrant Populations
Investigator: Ikram Abdi
Funding: NHMRC
Timeframe: 2025-2026
Project description: Vaccine uptake is crucial for public health, yet disparities persist amongst refugee and migrant communities due to various barriers. The aim of this project is to understand the policy and program level challenges that hinder the successful implementation of strategies designed to improve vaccine uptake within refugee and migrant populations. This project involves a qualitative study exploring policy and program level barriers to implementing strategies for improving vaccine uptake in refugee and migrant populations in New South Wales. The findings of this study will provide policymakers and healthcare administrators with actionable policy recommendations to address vaccine equity in refugee and migrant communities in Australia. By understanding successful strategies and identifying gaps in current policies, stakeholders can develop more effective and culturally sensitive interventions to promote vaccination amongst communities.
Immunisation in conflict-affected settings
Investigators: Majdi Sabahelzain
Project Description: This research project aims to better understand the challenges of vaccination and identify opportunities to improve vaccine coverage in marginalized populations, such as conflict-affected communities. According to the annual WHO/UNICEF immunisation coverage estimates and based the Equity Reference Groups for Immunization (ERG), these populations experience high rates of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. This interdisciplinary project will address vaccination in these settings from various perspectives, including epidemiology, social sciences, equity and ethics. To achieve this research objective, we will employ mixed-methods approaches, including scoping/systematic reviews and qualitative methods. The findings from this research will provide valuable insights that can inform the development of equitable interventions in these conflict-affected situations.
EU health and national vaccination laws and policies during the COVID-19 pandemic (PhD project)
Investigator: Nicole Batten, PhD Candidate
Supervisors: Prof. Emerita Bronwyn Winter and Assoc. Prof. Kerrie Wiley
Timeframe: 2020-2024
Project Description: An examination on the functionality of EU health law during the COVID-19 pandemic and a comparative case study of national EU Member State COVID-19 vaccine policies and laws, and their effect on disease manifestations and socio-political responses. This interdisciplinary research aims to examine how the pandemic impacted health policy across the EU, demonstrating a move towards further health integration during the unprecedented crisis, disregarding the norm of maintaining state sovereignty over health issues. The research will carry out a comparative case study of the COVID-19 vaccine policies and COVID-19 epidemiological patterns of Italy, France, Sweden, Poland, and Romania. Each country is a reflection of the diversity of the EU and had a distinctive response to the pandemic.
Systems to include social science in public health decision-making
- Collaborative study with the Collaboration on Social Science in Immunisation (COSSI) to inform inclusion of Social Science in the structure and function of an Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) (literature review and qualitative Key Informant study)
- Collaborating with National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance on a systematic review of the waste generated by vaccination
PAST PROJECTS
Past Projects
Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication about vaccines
Partners: Centers for Disease Control, US, and Taskforce for Global Health
Funding: NHMRC(Investigator Grant)
Timeframe: 2020-2026
Project Description: This project developed an evidence-informed e-learning toolkit to strengthen peer-to-peer communication about vaccines. The training aimed to equip community members with practical skills to support informed vaccine decision-making. In Phase 1, the toolkit was first piloted and refined within a Somali-American diaspora community in Minneapolis, MN, and later field-tested in Nairobi, Kenya. Phase 2 extended the adaptation and application of the toolkit to Indonesia. Insights from these implementations are anticipated to guide recommendations for adapting and scaling the toolkit in other low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts to promote vaccine confidence and uptake.
Yarning About Vaccination
Investigators: Liz Harwood, Kristy Crooks, Katrina Clark, Kylie Taylor, Pete Murray Hunter New England, Population Health, Prof Julie Leask, University of Sydney, Dr Kasia Bolsewicz, NCIRS
Timeframe: 2022-2025
Project description: This study assessed the effectiveness of Aboriginal-led vaccine conversation workshops attended by 70 participants, most of whom provide immunisation services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Hunter New England (HNE) region, in New South Wales. The workshops – titled ‘Keeping Mob safe: yarning about vaccination’ – were designed and facilitated by Aboriginal public health professionals: Elizabeth Harwood, Kylie Taylor, Katrina Clark and Kristy Crooks – and incorporated Indigenist research methodologies, enabling control over data and honouring Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles. They were supported by SABII team members, Prof Julie Leask and Dr Maria Christou-Ergos and other non-Aboriginal public health experts with backgrounds in immunisation, public health and social science (Peter Murray and Jody Stephenson of the HNE Public Health Unit, Kasia Bolsewicz from NCIRS).
Facilitators created a culturally safe environment where workshop participants could discuss their experiences with, and concerns about, scheduled and recommended vaccinations through different types of ‘yarning’ – enabling the open sharing of ideas, suggestions and concerns. The work has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. It also has been shared for wider use as a toolkit and is informing the Closing the Vaccination Gap study in WA led by Anne Marie Eades.
Perceptions and demand for routine immunisation in Indonesia
Investigators: Julie Leask, Meru Sheel, Mu Li, Madeleine Randell and Adeline Tinessia (USyd), Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono and Oktarinda Miko (Universitas Indonesia), Margie Danchin (MCRI), Michelle Dynes (UNICEF EAPRO), Kylie Jenkins (consultant)
Funding: UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (EAPRO)
Timeframe: 2021 – 2023
Project description: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on maternal and child health services in Indonesia. This was due to reduced access to key services as well as fear of COVID-19 driving reluctance to attend services. One outcome of this was a decline in routine immunisation coverage among young children. Despite a COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in January 2021, only 66% of adults had received their second dose and 20% had received their third dose by April 2022.
This study aimed to better understand the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to routine immunization, other maternal and child health services and COVID-19 vaccination amongst caregivers of young children and healthcare providers in Central Java and West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. We used the BeSD surveys with additional questions developed with a technical advisory group. In total, 1399 caregivers and 604 healthcare providers from eight districts across two provinces, i.e., Central Java and West Nusa Tenggara, participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data collection of the study was conducted in March to April 2022 and findings have been published: Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregiver beliefs and experiences of routine childhood immunisation in Indonesia
Understanding vaccine hesitancy in relation to psychological trauma (PhD project)
Investigator: Maria Christou-Ergos
Supervisors: Prof. Julie Leask and Dr. Kerrie Wiley
Funding: NHMRC Centre of Research
Timeframe: 2020-2023
Project description:The aim of this research was to understand how the experience of psychological trauma influences vaccination decisions. It built on what is known about vaccine hesitancy and developed trauma-informed vaccination interventions for vaccine delivery services. It included; (a) a qualitative exploration of how medical trauma influences the vaccination decisions of non-vaccinating parents; (b) a national survey investigating associations between vaccine hesitancy and traumatic life events, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the traumatic vaccination experiences of others; (c) a survey of older Australians and associations between vaccine hesitancy and traumatic events, social support and psychological distress; (d) a guidance for vaccination providers to improve the vaccination experiences of people affected by trauma.
Improving school-based adolescent vaccine uptake: Literature scan and workshop facilitation
Investigators: Julie Leask, Kerrie Wiley, Maria Christou-Ergos, Adeline Tinessia, Sonya Ennis (NSW Health) and Sarah Hynes (NSW Health)
Timeframe: January-February 2025
Project description: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a substantial drop in adolescent vaccination coverage. To address this, NSW Health Protection Branch engaged the SABII team to undertake a rapid literature scan. The scan assembled existing knowledge and evidence gaps and identified strategies to improve coverage. The SABII team then worked with NSW Health Protection Branch to facilitate a workshop attended by public health unit directors and key NSW immunisation program staff members. The workshop aimed to identify influences on school-based vaccination uptake and determine what strategies could be implemented to increase uptake in 2025.