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Prevalence and determinants of influenza vaccine coverage at tertiary pediatric hospitals

James Newcombe1, Rajneesh Kaur1, Nicholas Wood1

  • 1Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, High St. Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.

Vaccine
|June 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Influenza vaccination uptake is low in Australian children with high-risk conditions, despite missed opportunities during clinic visits. Parental beliefs and healthcare provider recommendations significantly influence vaccine acceptance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Immunization

Background:

  • Influenza vaccination is recommended for children with high-risk medical conditions.
  • Low vaccination rates persist in this vulnerable pediatric population.
  • Understanding factors influencing vaccine acceptance is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine influenza vaccination uptake in a cohort of Australian children.
  • To identify factors associated with influenza vaccine acceptance among children with high-risk conditions.
  • To inform strategies for increasing pediatric influenza immunization rates.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 316 parents of children attending pediatric outpatient clinics in Sydney were recruited.
  • Vaccination coverage rates were assessed for children with high-risk versus standard-risk conditions.
  • Factors influencing vaccine uptake, including healthcare provider recommendations and parental beliefs, were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Influenza vaccination coverage was 41% in high-risk children and 14% in standard-risk children.
  • High-risk children experienced a median of three missed vaccination opportunities during clinic visits.
  • Healthcare worker recommendation, high-risk status, and parental beliefs were key determinants of vaccine uptake.

Conclusions:

  • Significant gaps exist in influenza vaccination coverage for high-risk children in Australia.
  • Missed clinical opportunities highlight a need for improved vaccination strategies.
  • Further research into healthcare provider practices and parental beliefs is essential to enhance pediatric influenza immunization.

Keywords:
ChildrenHigh riskInfluenzaVaccine

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