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Complementary medicine and childhood immunisation: A critical review
Jon Wardle1, Jane Frawley1, Amie Steel2
1Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Level 8, Building 10, 235-253 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW 2006, Australia.
Vaccine
|August 1, 2016
Summary
Complementary medicine (CM) practitioners and users do not hold uniform views on childhood vaccination. While some CM practitioners express anti-vaccination sentiments, the overall picture is nuanced, with CM use potentially linked to lower vaccination rates due to confounding factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Complementary Medicine
- Immunization
Background:
- Vaccination is a critical public health intervention.
- Complementary medicine (CM) use is increasing.
- Concerns exist regarding potential anti-vaccination views among CM practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review evidence on CM practitioner attitudes towards childhood vaccination.
- To examine attitudes of parents using CM towards vaccination.
- To assess the relationship between CM use and vaccination intentions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic database search (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED).
- Included research articles published between January 2000 and September 2015.
- Evaluated attitudes and intentions of CM practitioners and CM users regarding childhood vaccination.
Main Results:
- 23 articles detailed CM practitioner attitudes; 16 examined CM use and immunization.
- No universal stance on immunization exists among CM practitioners or users.
- CM use is associated with lower vaccination uptake, potentially confounded by factors like income, education, or distrust of the medical system.
Conclusions:
- Anti-vaccination sentiment exists in some CM practitioners but is not universal.
- The relationship between CM and vaccination is complex and individualized.
- Findings suggest a more nuanced picture than previously assumed, potentially aligning better with public health goals.
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