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Why children are not vaccinated: a review of the grey literature

Michael Favin1, Robert Steinglass, Rebecca Fields

  • 1The Manoff Group, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 454, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA.

International Health
|September 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Barriers to childhood vaccination include poor access to immunization services and limited parental knowledge regarding vaccine schedules and safety. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving vaccination coverage globally.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Global Health
  • Immunization Practices

Background:

  • Incomplete or no vaccinations in eligible children remain a significant global public health challenge.
  • Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind under-vaccination is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze global grey literature and identify key factors contributing to incomplete or no childhood vaccinations.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving immunization services and uptake.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic analysis of 126 documents from the global grey literature, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Identification and categorization of reasons for under-vaccination, including service-related issues and parental factors.

Main Results:

  • Key barriers identified include limited access to services, negative health staff attitudes, unreliable services, and misinformation (false contraindications).
  • Parental factors such as practical knowledge, fear of side effects, competing priorities, and cultural beliefs significantly impact vaccination decisions.
  • Family demographic characteristics were identified as underlying risk factors for under-vaccination.

Conclusions:

  • Immunization programs must prioritize quality, accessibility, convenience, reliability, and user-friendliness to enhance service acceptance.
  • Continuous monitoring of vaccination status, assessment of barriers, and soliciting community feedback are vital for program improvement.
  • While global reviews guide research, localized studies and interventions are indispensable for addressing specific community needs.

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