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Uptake of Vaccinations among Children with Chronic Diseases Is Affected by Knowledge Gaps and Implementation
Alessandra Beni1, Sara Mazzilli2,3, Elisabetta Bellino1
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Pediatricians and parents have positive vaccine attitudes, but many doctors lack knowledge of extra vaccines for children with chronic conditions, leading to low vaccination coverage. This highlights a need for improved vaccination guidelines for these vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Immunization
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Children with chronic medical conditions face higher risks from vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Routine immunization schedules may not fully protect these children, necessitating additional vaccine doses.
- Specialized vaccination strategies are crucial for managing health risks in pediatric chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pediatricians' and parents' attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding supplementary vaccinations for chronically ill children.
- To identify barriers to optimal vaccination coverage in this high-risk pediatric population.
- To inform policy for enhanced immunization plans for children with chronic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a national cross-sectional survey of pediatricians.
- Performed a local cross-sectional survey of parents of children with chronic diseases.
- Evaluated vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices.
Main Results:
- Most pediatricians and parents expressed positive attitudes towards vaccination.
- A significant knowledge gap regarding additional vaccinations was observed among pediatricians.
- Coverage rates for recommended supplementary vaccines in chronically ill children were found to be low.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge deficits among pediatricians and organizational issues impede optimal vaccination coverage for chronically ill children.
- There is a critical need for evidence-based, detailed vaccination recommendations tailored for this population.
- The Italian national immunization plan review presents an opportunity to address these gaps and improve pediatric vaccination strategies.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Children with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe complications related to vaccine-preventable infections. Therefore, additional booster doses or supplementary vaccines are recommended, over and above the routine immunization schedule for healthy children. The aim of this study was to investigate attitude, knowledge, and practices toward additional vaccinations for children affected by chronic conditions among pediatricians and parents. (2) Methods: This study is based on two surveys: (i) a national cross-sectional survey, targeting pediatrician working in hospitals or in the primary health sector; (ii) a local cross-sectional survey, targeting parents of children with a previous diagnosis of chronic disease. (3) Results: Despite the fact that most of the health professionals and parents interviewed had an overall positive vaccine attitude, most pediatricians did not show an adequate knowledge of additional vaccinations for children affected by chronic diseases. Moreover, the coverage of additional recommended vaccinations in chronic pediatric patients was low. (4) Conclusions: This research highlighted important existing challenges hampering optimal vaccination coverage among pediatric chronic patients, including knowledge gaps on tailored vaccination schedules among pediatricians and organizational issues. The ongoing review of the Italian national immunization plan is a not-to-be-missed-opportunity to include evidence-based, detailed, and comprehensive recommendations on vaccinations for children affected by chronic conditions.
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