OBJECTIVES: Identify parental beliefs and barriers related to influenza immunization of school-aged children and acceptance of school-based influenza immunization. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of elementary school-aged children in November 2008. Outcomes were receipt of influenza vaccine, acceptance of school-based immunization, and barriers to immunization. RESULTS: Response rate was 65% (259/397). Parents reported that 26% of children had received the vaccine and 24% intended receipt. A total of 50% did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with receipt were belief that immunization is a social norm (adjusted odds ratios [AOR], 10.8; 95% CI, 2.8-41.8), belief in benefit (AOR, 7.8; CI, 1.8-33.8), discussion with a doctor (AOR, 7.0; CI, 2.9-16.8), and belief that vaccine is safe (AOR, 4.0; CI, 1.0-15.8). A total of 75% of parents would immunize their children at school if the vaccine were free, including 59% (76/129) who did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with acceptance of school-based immunization were belief in benefit (AOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.7-14.0), endorsement of medical setting barriers (AOR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.3), and beliefs that immunization is a social norm (AOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6) and that the child is susceptible to influenza (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.7). Medical setting barriers were competing time demands, inconvenience, and cost; school barriers were parents' desire to be with children and competence of person delivering the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: School-based immunization programs can increase immunization coverage by targeting parents for whom time demands and inconvenience are barriers, demonstrating that immunization is a social norm, and addressing concerns about influenza vaccine benefit and safety.
OBJECTIVES: Identify parental beliefs and barriers related to influenza immunization of school-aged children and acceptance of school-based influenza immunization. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of elementary school-aged children in November 2008. Outcomes were receipt of influenza vaccine, acceptance of school-based immunization, and barriers to immunization. RESULTS: Response rate was 65% (259/397). Parents reported that 26% of children had received the vaccine and 24% intended receipt. A total of 50% did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with receipt were belief that immunization is a social norm (adjusted odds ratios [AOR], 10.8; 95% CI, 2.8-41.8), belief in benefit (AOR, 7.8; CI, 1.8-33.8), discussion with a doctor (AOR, 7.0; CI, 2.9-16.8), and belief that vaccine is safe (AOR, 4.0; CI, 1.0-15.8). A total of 75% of parents would immunize their children at school if the vaccine were free, including 59% (76/129) who did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with acceptance of school-based immunization were belief in benefit (AOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.7-14.0), endorsement of medical setting barriers (AOR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.3), and beliefs that immunization is a social norm (AOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6) and that the child is susceptible to influenza (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.7). Medical setting barriers were competing time demands, inconvenience, and cost; school barriers were parents' desire to be with children and competence of person delivering the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: School-based immunization programs can increase immunization coverage by targeting parents for whom time demands and inconvenience are barriers, demonstrating that immunization is a social norm, and addressing concerns about influenza vaccine benefit and safety.
Authors: Lisa M Gargano; Natasha L Herbert; Julia E Painter; Jessica M Sales; Christopher Morfaw; Kimberly Rask; Dennis Murray; Ralph J DiClemente; James M Hughes Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2013-07-24 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: Lisa M Gargano; Paul Weiss; Natasha L Underwood; Katherine Seib; Jessica M Sales; Tara M Vogt; Kimberly Rask; Christopher Morfaw; Dennis L Murray; Ralph J DiClemente; James M Hughes Journal: J Community Health Date: 2015-08
Authors: Lisa M Gargano; Natasha L Herbert; Julia E Painter; Jessica M Sales; Tara M Vogt; Christopher Morfaw; LaDawna M Jones; Dennis Murray; Ralph J DiClemente; James M Hughes Journal: Health Promot Pract Date: 2014-01-17
Authors: Jessica M Sales; Julia E Painter; Karen Pazol; Lisa M Gargano; Walter Orenstein; James M Hughes; Ralph J DiClemente Journal: Hum Vaccin Date: 2011-11-01