Melioidosis Vaccines (MeVa): Attitudes to vaccines, melioidosis and clinical trials in key stakeholders in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Background: Melioidosis is a bacterial infection which kills an estimated 89,000 people per year in tropical and sub-tropical regions, chiefly affecting the poorest. Diabetes is the primary risk factor, conferring a 12-fold increase in risk. Despite limited funding compared to other neglected tropical diseases, melioidosis vaccine development has generated several candidates for clinical development. CPS-CRM (197)/Hcp1 is a promising vaccine candidate developed at the University of Nevada, Reno which is due to enter a Phase I clinical trial in Oxford, UK in 2024. As we move closer to the possibility of field trials of a melioidosis vaccine, it is critical to work in parallel to understand perceptions toward a vaccine among those living where melioidosis rates are high. Reasons for vaccine acceptance versus hesitancy are complex, and include perceived risk of the target disease, concern about side effects, and above all trust in government, scientists, the pharmaceutical industry and other authorities. Methods: We will carry out a qualitative study in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, an endemic region for melioidosis, as groundwork for a potential future melioidosis vaccine efficacy study, and in the longer-term vaccine introduction. This study seeks to explore knowledge and attitudes in three main areas; 1) melioidosis disease, 2) vaccines, and 3) participation in clinical vaccine trials. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions will take place in five participant groups of different risks and exposure to melioidosis. Purposive, convenience sampling will be used, also snowball sampling to reach some participant groups. Sample size will be based on participant’s experience, to inform the line of enquiries of study, or until data saturation, expecting 66–90 participants across all groups. Discussion: The findings of this study will be written up and published in an open access journal, and will be valuable to inform future design of clinical trials as well as engagement and communications associated with future vaccine rollout.