Communities help shape the future of vaccination services across Derby and Derbyshire

Over 700 people across Derby and Derbyshire have helped shape how vaccination services are delivered.

A wide-ranging programme of community engagement focused on improving access and tackling health inequalities.

The work brought together local residents, voluntary organisations and health partners to better understand why some people find it harder to access vaccines – and what needs to change.

Community organisations across the city and county led the work, holding events, conversations and activities in familiar local settings such as community centres, cafés and faith venues.

Vaccination champions, who are based within their communities, were also in place to help share accurate information, challenge misinformation and support with informed decisions.

The community engagement helped to highlight key themes and areas for improvement which included:

  • The need for clear, simple information
  • Opportunities to ask questions
  • Conversations with people they trust

Barriers were often practical as well as emotional, including:

  • Difficulty booking appointments or accessing services
  • Transport and cost pressures
  • Language barriers and digital exclusion
  • Misinformation and uncertainty about vaccine safety

The impact of this work led to increased vaccination uptake over winter for Flu, Covid and RSV but beyond that, communities reported increased confidence talking about health and improved trust with health care services.

Mandy Simpson, Associate Director for Immunisation and Screening at NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB, said: “Hearing the voices of our communities is vital for shaping health care services. We want to know what is working, and what needs to change so we’re incredibly grateful to all those who took part. We understand that vaccines can be a difficult topic to talk about but the insight we’ve gathered will genuinely make a difference to our population.”

The insight gathered from communities is now shaping the next phase of work across Derby and Derbyshire.

Key next steps include:

  • Investing for the long term
  • Working with GPs to improve how services are delivered
  • Improving communication and providing clear, simple and culturally appropriate information
  • Continued work with communities

This approach aims to build trust, improve access and support people to make informed decisions about their health.