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Hib vaccine coverage in children attending day care/nursery school in East York
C M Whiting1, R E Schabas, M J Ashley
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto.
Insights
Low Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) vaccine coverage was found in at-risk children. Parents
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Immunization Policy
Background:
- Vaccine coverage for Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) is crucial for preventing serious illness in children.
- Understanding factors influencing vaccine uptake is essential for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Hib vaccine coverage among children at increased risk.
- To identify factors associated with vaccination compliance in this population.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of 75 children aged 24-60 months attending licensed day care/nursery schools.
- Data was collected on vaccination status and parental factors.
Main Results:
- Only 51% of surveyed children were vaccinated against Hib.
- Older children and those from single-parent families were less likely to be immunized.
- Parental age, education, country of birth, and number of siblings were not associated with vaccination status.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps in Hib vaccination coverage exist among children in day care settings.
- Concerns about side effects and perceived low risk of Hib disease are key barriers to compliance.
- Targeted education for parents and physicians, specific programs for at-risk groups, and consideration of mandatory immunization policies are recommended.
Abstract:
This survey assessed Haemophilus influenzae b vaccine coverage and factors affecting compliance in children at increased risk. A telephone survey was conducted of a random sample of 75 children, aged 24-60 months, attending licensed day care/nursery schools in East York. 96% of the sample was surveyed; only 51% were vaccinated. Older children were less likely to be immunized and there were more single-parent families among the non-vaccinated. The age, educational level and country of birth of the parents and the number of siblings were not associated with vaccination status. In 20% of the non-vaccinated group, concern about side effects was the main reason for non-compliance. For 91%, a factor of "moderate/very much concern" was the perceived unimportance of preventing Haemophilus influenzae b illness. Education for parents and physicians, special programs aimed at risk groups, and consideration of mandatory immunization against Haemophilus influenzae b in children attending day care/nursery schools are needed.