This research article published by PLOS ONE, 2019
Understanding preferences for veterinary vaccines in low and middle-income countries is
important for increasing vaccination coverage against infectious diseases, especially when
the consumer is responsible for choosing between similar vaccines. Over-the-counter sales
of vaccines without a prescription gives decision-making power to consumers who may
value vaccine traits differently from national or international experts and vaccine producers
and distributers. We examine consumer preferences for La Sota and I-2 Newcastle disease
vaccines in Tanzania to understand why two vaccines co-exist in the market when I-2 is considered technically superior because of its thermotolerance. Household survey and focus
group results indicate consumers perceive both vaccines to be effective, use the two vaccines interchangeably when the preferred vaccine is unavailable, and base preferences
more on administration style than thermotolerance. Considering the consumers’ perspectives provides a way to increase vaccination coverage by targeting users with a vaccine that
fits their preferences.