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Published on: August 7, 2017
Parental reasons for non-uptake of influenza vaccination in young at-risk groups: a qualitative study
Rod Sampson1, Lucia Wong, Ronald Macvicar
1Cairn Medical Practice and associate advisor North Deanery Scotland, Inverness, UK. rod.sampson@nhs.net
Insights
Parental uncertainty, access issues, and health beliefs hinder influenza vaccination uptake in at-risk children. Addressing these barriers through tailored information is crucial for improving vaccination rates in young populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Low influenza vaccination uptake is documented in young, at-risk children within UK primary care settings.
- Identifying parental barriers is essential for enhancing vaccination program effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind parental non-uptake of influenza vaccinations for young children in at-risk groups.
- To inform strategies for improving influenza vaccination coverage in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire surveys and follow-up interviews.
- Thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data from parents in Inverness, Scotland.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified include parental uncertainty regarding vaccination indications, perceived lack of choice, and accessibility challenges.
- Other significant factors were low parental prioritization and specific health beliefs influencing vaccination decisions.
Conclusions:
- Improving influenza vaccination rates requires addressing parental decision-making processes with targeted information and education.
- Enhanced communication strategies for parents, patients, and healthcare providers are recommended to overcome barriers like access.
Background:
Uptake rates of influenza vaccination in young at-risk groups in primary care (UK) are known to be poor.
Aim:
To explore parental reasons for non-uptake of influenza vaccination in young at-risk groups. The study hypothesis was that exploration of parental reasons for non-uptake may reveal important barriers to an effective influenza vaccination programme.
Design And Setting:
Thematic analysis of a questionnaire survey with interview follow-up at a single general practice in Inverness, Scotland.
Method:
Parents of children identified as being in an at-risk group for influenza vaccination but who had not received vaccination were sent questionnaires and offered the opportunity to take part in a follow-up interview.
Results:
Several key themes emerged, including uncertainty about the indication for vaccination, issues of choice, challenges with access, lack of parental priority, and issues relating to health beliefs.
Conclusion:
Any attempt to improve the vaccination rate needs to address the range of decision-making processes undertaken by parents and children. Better and more tailored information and educational delivery to parents, patients, and healthcare providers may lead to an increase in the rates of influenza vaccination uptake in at-risk children. Access is a barrier described by some parents.
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