Compulsory and non-compulsory immunizations: contraindications perceived by medical practitioners

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Childhood immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
• Accurate knowledge of vaccine contraindications among healthcare providers is essential for effective vaccination programs.
• Understanding provider hesitancy is key to improving vaccination rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the willingness of general practitioners (GPs), pediatricians, and doctors of public vaccination centers (DPVCs) to administer routine childhood vaccines.
• To identify factors influencing provider decisions regarding immunization in the presence of various medical histories.
• To evaluate provider knowledge of compulsory and non-compulsory vaccine contraindications.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 284 healthcare providers (GPs, pediatricians, DPVCs).
• Participants were presented with 19 different medical histories to evaluate their willingness to immunize.
• Data on provider experience and knowledge of contraindications were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• A significant reluctance to immunize was observed when providers encountered false contraindications.
• Lack of information was prevalent, particularly concerning non-compulsory vaccines (measles, pertussis).
• Providers expressed doubts regarding actual contraindications for polio, measles, and pertussis vaccines.
• More accurate responses were given by providers with less than 20 years of experience.
• DPVCs demonstrated better-informed knowledge about immunization compared to GPs and pediatricians.

Conclusions:

• Misinformation and hesitancy regarding vaccine contraindications among healthcare providers can impede childhood immunization.
• Targeted education is needed for GPs and pediatricians to address knowledge gaps and reduce hesitancy.
• Public vaccination centers appear to be a valuable resource for accurate immunization information.