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Vaccine Hesitancy and Low Immunization Rates in Children with Down Syndrome
Diane L Langkamp1, Anna Dusseau1, Miraides F Brown2
1NeuroDevelopmental Science Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH.
Insights
Parental vaccine hesitancy is a concern for children with Down syndrome. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey (PACV) can identify hesitant parents, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vaccine hesitancy and refusal pose challenges to achieving herd immunity.
- Children with Down syndrome may have unique considerations regarding vaccination schedules and adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and refusal in parents of children with Down syndrome.
- To evaluate the association between the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey (PACV) scores and actual vaccine receipt in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- The PACV was mailed to parents of children with Down syndrome attending a specialized clinic.
- Survey responses were linked to immunization records to assess vaccination status at 19 months of age.
Main Results:
- A 52% response rate was achieved, with 60 surveys linked to vaccination records.
- PACV scores significantly correlated with delays in immunization.
- Parents who refused all vaccines had PACV scores of 50 or higher.
- Only 58% of children with Down syndrome were up-to-date on the 7-vaccine series at 19 months.
Conclusions:
- The PACV appears to be a useful tool for identifying vaccine-hesitant parents of children with Down syndrome.
- Increased emphasis on timely vaccination is crucial for optimizing the health of children with Down syndrome and preventing hospitalizations.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and refusal among parents of children with Down syndrome and to determine how well the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey (PACV) is associated with vaccine receipt among children with Down syndrome.
Study Design:
We mailed the PACV to parents of children with Down syndrome who attend the Down Syndrome Clinic at Akron Children's Hospital and examined associations between PACV scores and immunization status at 19 months of age.
Results:
Of 120 surveys sent, 63 parents completed the PACV (52% response rate) of which 60 were linked to vaccination records. Of these 60 respondents, 55 children were ≥19 months old. PACV scores were significantly correlated with days of underimmunization at 19 months of age. All parents who refused all vaccines had PACV scores of ≥50. Only 58% of children were up to date for the combined 7 vaccine series at 19 months of age.
Conclusions:
The PACV may be a valuable tool to identify vaccine hesitancy among parents of young children with Down syndrome. Special emphasis is needed to increase adherence with on-time vaccine recommendations for children with Down syndrome to optimize their health and to potentially avoid hospitalizations.
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