Table 1 Qualitative Baseline Data Key Findings (January – February 2021)

Felt that CHWs provided valuable information regarding vaccines

Did not feel that they had adequate support from supervisors and health officials. They also felt that, at times, they had training gaps which did not allow them to fully answer parent and child caregivers’ vaccination concerns

Identified communication barriers which led to a lack of coordination on vaccine communication

There were perceptions that CHWs did not properly listen to or address concerns at times

CHWs did not fully recognize their role in vaccine acceptance in the community

Felt having support from religious leaders would be impactful in reaching out to community members

Their largest concern around vaccines centered around side effects

Felt that senior CHWs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) were not able to provide CHWs with enough time to inform parent and child caregivers about vaccination camps early. This lack of advance warning left parent and child caregivers feeling that they didn’t have enough time to make a decision about vaccines, nor did they have enough time to get questions answered by CHWs or senior CHWs

The COVID-19 pandemic, at the time of the interviews, was not perceived as a problem that was impacting rural populations like Mewat

Believed community would not be as willing to accept COVID-19 vaccines, as COVID-19 was seen as a ‘city problem’

Religious leaders were perceived to be the most trusted sources of information in the community regarding vaccination