Ruby Biezen1, Danilla Grando2, Danielle Mazza3, Bianca Brijnath4. 1. Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia. Electronic address: ruby.biezen@monash.edu. 2. School of Science, RMIT University, Building 223, Level 1, Bundoora Campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia. 3. Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia. 4. Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; National Ageing Research Institute, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective against influenza and in the prevention of complicating secondary respiratory illnesses. However, its uptake in young children remains low. This study explored the views, attitudes and practices of parents and primary care providers (PCPs) on their knowledge and acceptance of influenza vaccination in children under 5. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional qualitative research design, we conducted 30 in-depth interviews with PCPs (i.e., general practitioners, practice nurses, maternal and child health nurses, and pharmacists) and five focus groups with parents (n = 50) between June 2014 and July 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Parents thought the vaccine could cause influenza, and influenza vaccination was not necessary for their children as they needed to build their own 'immunity'. Parents said that they would consider vaccinating their children if recommended by their GP and if the influenza vaccine was part of the immunisation schedule. PCPs also expressed concerns regarding the efficacy of the vaccine as well as out-of-pocket costs incurred by families, and uncertainty regarding the mortality and morbidity of influenza in otherwise healthy children. However, they said they would recommend the vaccine to high-risk groups (e.g. children with chronic disease(s), and asthma). CONCLUSION: Despite the established safety of influenza vaccines, barriers to uptake include concerns regarding the iatrogenic effects of vaccination, its administration schedule, and knowledge of influenza severity. Updated information on influenza and the efficacy of the vaccine, and incorporating influenza vaccination into the immunisation schedule may overcome some of these barriers to increase influenza vaccination in this vulnerable cohort.
INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective against influenza and in the prevention of complicating secondary respiratory illnesses. However, its uptake in young children remains low. This study explored the views, attitudes and practices of parents and primary care providers (PCPs) on their knowledge and acceptance of influenza vaccination in children under 5. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional qualitative research design, we conducted 30 in-depth interviews with PCPs (i.e., general practitioners, practice nurses, maternal and child health nurses, and pharmacists) and five focus groups with parents (n = 50) between June 2014 and July 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Parents thought the vaccine could cause influenza, and influenza vaccination was not necessary for their children as they needed to build their own 'immunity'. Parents said that they would consider vaccinating their children if recommended by their GP and if the influenza vaccine was part of the immunisation schedule. PCPs also expressed concerns regarding the efficacy of the vaccine as well as out-of-pocket costs incurred by families, and uncertainty regarding the mortality and morbidity of influenza in otherwise healthy children. However, they said they would recommend the vaccine to high-risk groups (e.g. children with chronic disease(s), and asthma). CONCLUSION: Despite the established safety of influenza vaccines, barriers to uptake include concerns regarding the iatrogenic effects of vaccination, its administration schedule, and knowledge of influenza severity. Updated information on influenza and the efficacy of the vaccine, and incorporating influenza vaccination into the immunisation schedule may overcome some of these barriers to increase influenza vaccination in this vulnerable cohort.
Authors: Sara Boccalini; Elena Pariani; Giovanna Elisa Calabrò; Chiara DE Waure; Donatella Panatto; Daniela Amicizia; Piero Luigi Lai; Caterina Rizzo; Emanuele Amodio; Francesco Vitale; Alessandra Casuccio; Maria Luisa DI Pietro; Cristina Galli; Laura Bubba; Laura Pellegrinelli; Leonardo Villani; Floriana D'Ambrosio; Marta Caminiti; Elisa Lorenzini; Paola Fioretti; Rosanna Tindara Micale; Davide Frumento; Elisa Cantova; Flavio Parente; Giacomo Trento; Sara Sottile; Andrea Pugliese; Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte; Duccio Giorgetti; Marco Menicacci; Antonio D'Anna; Claudia Ammoscato; Emanuele LA Gatta; Angela Bechini; Paolo Bonanni Journal: J Prev Med Hyg Date: 2021-09-10
Authors: Sara Cooper; Bey-Marrié Schmidt; Evanson Z Sambala; Alison Swartz; Christopher J Colvin; Natalie Leon; Charles S Wiysonge Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2021-10-27