Glenda L Lawrence1, Brynley P Hull, C Raina MacIntyre, Peter B McIntyre. 1. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, University of Sydney and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales. glendal@chw.edu.au
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Incomplete immunisation among Australian children may be due to parents disagreeing with immunisation rather than medical contraindications or access issues. SETTING AND METHODS: The parents of 1338 children recorded on the ACIR as incompletely immunised were telephoned and interviewed. RESULTS: Of the 462 parents who confirmed their child was incompletely immunised, 270 (58%) disagreed with or were concerned about immunisation; 190 (70%) of these were concerned about vaccine side effects. The disagreeing 270 parents were significantly more likely to be highly educated and have a child with no vaccinations recorded on the ACIR. No vaccinations were recorded on the ACIR for 81% of children of both these parents, and of parents registered as conscientious objectors to immunisation. Together these two groups accounts for 2.5-3.0% of the annual birth cohort. DISCUSSION: In order to achieve the 95% immunisation rates necessary for disease control, tailored approaches to promote immunisation among parents are required.
BACKGROUND: Incomplete immunisation among Australian children may be due to parents disagreeing with immunisation rather than medical contraindications or access issues. SETTING AND METHODS: The parents of 1338 children recorded on the ACIR as incompletely immunised were telephoned and interviewed. RESULTS: Of the 462 parents who confirmed their child was incompletely immunised, 270 (58%) disagreed with or were concerned about immunisation; 190 (70%) of these were concerned about vaccine side effects. The disagreeing 270 parents were significantly more likely to be highly educated and have a child with no vaccinations recorded on the ACIR. No vaccinations were recorded on the ACIR for 81% of children of both these parents, and of parents registered as conscientious objectors to immunisation. Together these two groups accounts for 2.5-3.0% of the annual birth cohort. DISCUSSION: In order to achieve the 95% immunisation rates necessary for disease control, tailored approaches to promote immunisation among parents are required.
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