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Survey of parents' attitudes to the recommended Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine program
Insights
Many parents remain hesitant about the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine due to concerns about side effects, impacting vaccination compliance. Public education is crucial to address these fears and improve Hib immunization rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is a critical public health intervention.
- Understanding parental attitudes and compliance is essential for successful vaccine program implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental attitudes towards and compliance with the recommended Hib vaccine program.
- To identify factors influencing vaccination decisions in a general pediatric practice.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 133 families in a pediatric practice, with 127 (95%) responding.
- Data collected included parental knowledge, concerns, and vaccination status for Hib.
Main Results:
- Approximately one-third of parents did not vaccinate their children against Hib, even with educational interventions.
- Fear of adverse reactions was the primary concern, significantly higher in unvaccinated groups (p < 0.025).
- Many parents (86%) lacked prior knowledge of the Hib vaccine, and some required reminders for vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Parental hesitancy towards the Hib vaccine, driven by safety concerns, poses a barrier to achieving high vaccination rates.
- Targeted public education emphasizing vaccine safety and efficacy is necessary to improve Hib immunization compliance.
Abstract:
A survey was conducted in a general pediatric practice to determine parents' attitudes to and compliance with the recommended Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine program. Of 133 families surveyed 127 (95%) responded to the questionnaire. About one third of the parents did not have their children vaccinated. The decision against vaccination was made despite parent education, follow-up telephone contact and the pediatrician's expressed support of the vaccine program. Most of the respondents (86%) had no previous knowledge of the vaccine. The factor of greatest concern was the possibility of an adverse reaction. This concern was significantly more common among the parents who decided not to have their children vaccinated than among those who had their children vaccinated (chi 2 = 6.52, p less than 0.025). One third of the parents who indicated that they intended to have their children vaccinated required a telephone reminder. The findings suggest a need for public education about the vaccine, with particular emphasis directed at allaying fears about side effects.