This resource is designed to help you start meaningful conversations that encourage people to share ideas, ask questions, and think about immunisation.
This self-paced program provides helpful information and communication tips about vaccinations. It includes reflective activities to help you support informed decision-making in diverse communities.
In building this resource, we recognise the strength within different communities. This resource aims to facilitate trust-building, encourage conversations about vaccination, and promote meaningful community engagement.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
Who is a Community Connector?
Community connectors are people who work to keep our communities safe, healthy, and connected. They go by many names, including Community Leaders, Faith Leaders, Volunteers, Ambassadors, Mobilisers, Navigators, Helpers and Champions.
For this resource, we’ve chosen the term “Connector” because it is inclusive and reflects the feedback we received from community members during its development.
How to use this resource
The training within this resource is self-paced and will take roughly two hours to complete.
Before you start, make sure you’re using a web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. The module may not work well on older browsers like Internet Explorer.
Navigation
This learning tool consists of nine modules. Within each module, you will be presented with a sequence of sections. You can move through this sequence by clicking on the right-pointing arrow, which always appears at the right of the screen. You can also step backwards through the sequence of sections using the left-pointing arrow, if you wish to review earlier content within a module.
Previous page Move forward
The symbol below appears at the end of each section (instead of the ‘next’ arrow) allowing you move to the next module.
There are some interactive exercises within the module requiring you to include your thoughts and ideas about the subject being explored. Instructions for these exercises are provided in place.
You may not have time to complete the entire series of modules in one setting. If that is the case you are encouraged to complete the module you are currently working on, and upon return to use the top menu to access the next module in the sequence. You also cannot use the browser’s BACK button to navigate during this module as it has been deactivated. Use the above-mentioned top menu instead.
The footer navigation indicators show you were you are up to in the sequence of each module for your reference. Some sections are in several parts and the footer navigation will illustrate this by breaking a section number (such as 6.4) into several parts (such as 6.4a, 6.4b, 6.4c).
Look for ‘FIND OUT MORE” links throughout the modules as these will allow you to explore offsite resources for a deeper understanding of particular subjects.
In the bottom-right corner of each module is a link to that module’s Learning Objectives. These are accessible as a pop-up throughout each module.
These instructions are accessible at all times via the HELP button at the top-right corner of each page.
Our story
This training resource was developed as a collaboration between researchers from the University of New South Wales, University of Sydney and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Our vision in developing this resource is that many people from diverse backgrounds still miss important vaccinations. While some may skip vaccine uptake, others are not receiving key information about the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Some continue to miss out on information on how to stay healthy and the free vaccines available in Australia.
The work was funded by NSW
Health.
The modules were pilot tested with health professionals to inform the usability and accessibility.
Finding translated resources about immunisation
When patients get health information in a language they know, they can understand medical details more clearly. This includes knowing their choices and how to follow instructions. This helps them follow advice better and stay healthier. If you can, please help the community member to find a resource in their preferred language!
General Information
NSW Health has translated information available which focuses on topics such as why vaccination is important, when to get vaccinated, how vaccines work, vaccine safety and more.
Translations available in: Arabic, Bangla, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Mongolian, Nepali, Portuguese, Samoan, Spanish, Tongan, Urdu and Vietnamese.
The “Questions about vaccination” booklet from the Australian Department of Health covers:
Core vaccination information – what vaccines are, how they work, why they are important, how safety and effectiveness are monitored, and how side effects are reported and managed.
Practical and common concerns – answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccination schedule, missed doses, contraindications, vaccine ingredients, and misinformation, presented in clear language to help parents and the public make informed decisions.
School Vaccination Program
NSW Health works with schools to offer the vaccines recommended and funded for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program.
Remember: Vaccine advice can be
different across Australian States and Territories. If you use a translated resource from another State, Territory, or country, check it carefully.
Be sure it follows NSW guidelines before sharing it with someone in the community.
Translated information for parents can be found here: