Factors influencing acceptance of optional vaccines in children

Abstract

Introduction: Immunization has been one of the most significant, cost-effective and stimulatory public health intervention. Vaccines are among the most effective preventive health measures in reducing child mortality, morbidity, and disability. With the rapid growth of big cities, an impending threat of outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases always exists. It is due to the high population density, continuous influx of a new pool of infective agents with the immigrating population and poor coverage of primary immunization. Vaccinations are best ways to end the serious effects of certain diseases.

Methods: A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to elicit the information like the knowledge of parents on optional vaccines, various socio-demographic factors, about the immunization status and reasons for vaccinating and not vaccinating the child. The method used for the determination of the vaccination status was the vaccination card and the recall method.

Results: Of the total 400 children, 3% are fully immunized and 14% are unimmunized. Majority of parents has the knowledge about Typhoid vaccine. Over all vaccination rate was decreased with subsequent doses. Common reasons for vaccination are healthy child, prevents disease, disability and increase life expectancy. Most parents say lack of knowledge is the reason for not vaccinating the child. Most unimmunized children belong to families with ≥4 children, rural background, illiterate parents and low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions: Study noticed significant association of parental education, socioeconomic status, rural background, number of children in the family and gender discrimination along with unawareness of the parents as main reasons for low immunization coverage.