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Barriers to childhood immunization: findings from a needs assessment study
M Thomas1, Vandana Kohli, Dixie King
1Department of Social Work, California State University, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099, USA. mthomas5@csub.edu
Home Health Care Services Quarterly
|July 17, 2004
Summary
Many parents lack immunization records for young children, yet most still ensure timely vaccinations. Key barriers include child illness, parental memory, and provider-related issues like appointment access and clinic hours.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Childhood immunization is crucial for public health.
- Understanding immunization status and barriers in diverse communities is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess immunization rates in children aged 0-3 in Bakersfield.
- To identify barriers to childhood immunization in this population.
Main Methods:
- Survey research design with stratified sampling.
- Data collected from 207 English and Spanish speaking households with children aged 0-3.
- Focus on parental-reported immunization status and barriers.
Main Results:
- 49% of parents lacked immunization records (shot cards).
- Most children were immunized despite missing records.
- Top barriers: child sickness, parental memory, fear of side effects, appointment access, clinic hours, long lines, and transportation.
Conclusions:
- Lack of transportation is a significant systemic barrier.
- Strategies like reminder calls, improved transportation, weekend clinics, and enhanced parent-provider rapport can increase immunization rates.
- Targeted interventions are needed for ethnically diverse rural communities.