Implementation of Measles-Rubella Vaccination Policy in Palu City: A Qualitative Study

https://doi.org/10.53770/medica.v8i10.1529

Authors

  • Fitri Yanti Usman Heba Department of Social Sciences, Doctoral Program in Public Administration, BKU Graduate School, Tandulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • Syahruddin Hattab Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tandulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • Intam Kurnia Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tandulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • Ani Susanti Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tandulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Keywords

Measles-Rubella Vaccination Policy Implementation Immunization Program Qualitative Research

Abstract

Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization is essential for reducing disease burden and achieving herd immunity. Despite strong national policy support, coverage in Indonesia remains uneven due to health system and community-related challenges. This study explored the implementation of the Measles-Rubella vaccination policy in Palu City by examining perspectives of policy actors, health workers, immunization cadres, and parents. A qualitative design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected informants across these four groups; data were analyzed thematically and subsequently organized using the Input-Process-Output-Outcome (IPOO) framework. Findings indicated strong alignment between national policy and local implementation, supported by informant-reported adequate resources and structured services through Puskesmas and Posyandu. However, vaccine hesitancy emerged as a major barrier, driven by fear of side effects, misinformation, and social influence. Cadres contributed to community mobilization, while health workers emphasized education and interpersonal communication to increase uptake. Coverage was generally high but unevenly distributed, with localized disparities reflecting clustered acceptance challenges. The MR program in Palu City benefits from strong policy support and adequate system capacity, but its implementation was strongly influenced by community acceptance and effective risk communication. Strengthening behavioral interventions, health communication, and community engagement is essential to achieving equitable coverage and advancing measles-rubella elimination.

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Published

2026-10-31

How to Cite

Heba, F. Y. U., Hattab, S., Kurnia, I., & Susanti, A. (2026). Implementation of Measles-Rubella Vaccination Policy in Palu City: A Qualitative Study . MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal), 8(10), 1157–1167. https://doi.org/10.53770/medica.v8i10.1529

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 10 (2026): MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

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Articles

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