Evaluating an Immunization Project in a Rural Mennonite Community

The Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) was contracted by Woolwich Community Health Centre (WCHC) to collaboratively design and conduct an evaluation of their immunization program funded by Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This summative evaluation aims to assess the barriers and facilitators to vaccination uptake among immunized program participants and provide recommendations for future immunization programs and outreach to Mennonites and rural communities in Woolwich and Wellesley Township. The evaluation methods include designing a survey and training WCHC staff on how to conduct it with program participants. Second, we will conduct a focus group to hear directly from program staff. Finally, we will implement a cross-method analysis, including program tracking data, to answer the main evaluation questions:

1. What were the barriers to vaccination uptake for the Mennonite program participants?

2. What facilitated the choice to be immunized?

3. What are the lessons learned and recommendations for future immunization programs and work with the Mennonite population?