Timeliness of MMR vaccination and barriers to vaccination in preschool children

2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. W. JEONG ◽  
B. H. PARK ◽  
K. H. KIM ◽  
Y. R. HAN ◽  
U. Y. GO ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThe documented vaccine coverage rate of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination is almost 99% in Korea, but measles cases are constantly being reported. This study evaluated the vaccine coverage, timeliness, and barriers to immunization of measles vaccination in preschool children in Korea. We assessed 452 children aged 15–23 months and 300 children aged 4–6 years in September 2007. Questionnaires were administered in order to estimate measles vaccination rate, its timeliness and barriers to vaccine uptake. Being unaware of the necessity for vaccination and its schedule, child being sick during the recommended vaccination period, and recommended vaccination period not being over were significant preventive factors to timely vaccination (P<0·05). Children with working mothers, single parents, those not being cared for by their parents, and those younger among siblings were at a higher risk of not being vaccinated on time. In order to increase timely vaccination, accurate information should be delivered and a systematic approach should be targeted to high-risk groups.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Drezner ◽  
Michal Youngster ◽  
Hodaya Klainer ◽  
Ilan Youngster

Abstract Background: Maternal influenza and pertussis vaccination has been proven a safe and effective strategy to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Though recommended, not all pregnant women receive these important vaccinations. We aimed to evaluate the vaccine coverage of maternal immunization in pregnancy for seasonal influenza and acellular pertussis and elucidate the reasons for non-vaccination among pregnant women. The secondary objective was to describe factors that affect vaccine uptake.Methods: A cross sectional observational study using anonymous questionnaires distributed to women in the maternity ward or pregnant women (>37 weeks) hospitalized in the high-risk ward, thru Nov 2017-June 2018.Results: Of 321 women approached, 313 were eligible and 290 questionnaires were retrieved (92.6%). We found a 75.9% (95% CI 0.71, 0.81) and 34.5% (95% CI 0.29, 0.40) vaccination rate for pertussis and influenza vaccines respectively. The most prominent reason for not receiving the pertussis vaccination was being under-informed (24%). Influenza vaccine was not received mainly due to concerns about vaccine efficacy (28%). Other factors influencing vaccination uptake included education, prior childbirth and vaccine recommendations made by the provider.Conclusion: Although maternal vaccination of pertussis and influenza is officially recommended, vaccine uptake is suboptimal. Our study suggests a central role for medical providers in diminishing the concerns about safety and efficacy, and presents novel factors influencing compliance rates, like seasonality and number of prior births.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Drezner ◽  
Michal Youngster ◽  
Hodaya Klainer ◽  
Ilan Youngster

Abstract Background Maternal influenza and pertussis vaccinations have been proven safe and effective in reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Though recommended, not all pregnant women receive these important vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the vaccine coverage of maternal immunization in pregnancy for seasonal influenza and acellular pertussis and elucidate the reasons for non-vaccination among pregnant women. The secondary objective was to describe factors that affect vaccine uptake. Methods A cross sectional observational study using anonymous questionnaires distributed to women in the maternity ward or pregnant women hospitalized in the high-risk ward, between Nov 2017 and June 2018, In an Israeli tertiary hospital. Results Of 321 women approached, 313 were eligible, with a total of 290 women completing the questionnaire (92.6%). We found a 75.9% (95% CI 71–81) and 34.5% (95% CI 29–40) vaccination rate for pertussis and influenza vaccines, respectively. The most prominent reason for not receiving the pertussis vaccine was being under-informed (24%). Influenza vaccine was not received mainly due to concerns about vaccine efficacy (28%). Other factors influencing vaccine uptake included education, prior childbirth and vaccine recommendations made by the provider. Conclusion Although maternal vaccination of pertussis and influenza is officially recommended, vaccine uptake is suboptimal. Our study suggests a central role for medical providers in diminishing the concerns about safety and efficacy, and presents novel factors influencing compliance rates, like seasonality and number of prior births.


2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kroneman ◽  
G A van Essen

This paper examines influenza vaccine coverage rates (VCR) in Poland and Sweden during the 2003/4 and 2004/5 influenza seasons. An average sample of 2,500 persons was interviewed in each country and each season. Questions regarded age and possible chronic diseases, as well as information on whether they had had an influenza vaccination in the given season. Those who had not received the vaccine were also asked to give reasons for non-vaccination. About one in four (Sweden) to one in three (Poland) of the persons surveyed belonged to high-risk groups (>=65 years of age or suffering from chronic diseases). In the 2004/5 season, 17% (CI 12-19%) of the Polish elderly and 45% (CI 39-50%) of the Swedish elderly were vaccinated. In Poland, 9% (CI 7-12%) of respondents younger than 65 years of age with a chronic condition were vaccinated, whereas in Sweden the corresponding rate was 12% (CI 9-16%). In both countries, the VCR did not change significantly from the previous season. Personal invitations resulted in a higher VCR. In Sweden, the most frequently mentioned reasons for not being vaccinated were the assumption of not qualifying for a vaccination and perceived resistance. In Poland in both years, perceived resistance to flu and the cost of the vaccination were the most often mentioned reasons. The influenza vaccination rates in Poland and Sweden remain far below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the high-risk population. No increase in VCR as demonstrated in this study may indicate that these two countries will not be able to meet the 2010 WHO target, if no further action is taken concerning vaccine uptake.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Drezner ◽  
Michal Youngster ◽  
Hodaya Klainer ◽  
Ilan Youngster

Abstract Background: Maternal influenza and pertussis vaccinations have been proven safe and effective in reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Though recommended, not all pregnant women receive these important vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the vaccine coverage of maternal immunization in pregnancy for seasonal influenza and acellular pertussis and elucidate the reasons for non-vaccination among pregnant women. The secondary objective was to describe factors that affect vaccine uptake. Methods: A cross sectional observational study using anonymous questionnaires distributed to women in the maternity ward or pregnant women hospitalized in the high-risk ward, between Nov 2017 and June 2018, In an Israeli tertiary hospital.Results: Of 321 women approached, 313 were eligible, with a total of 290 women completing the questionnaire (92.6%). We found a 75.9% (95% CI 71-81) and 34.5% (95% CI 29-40) vaccination rate for pertussis and influenza vaccines, respectively. The most prominent reason for not receiving the pertussis vaccine was being under-informed (24%). Influenza vaccine was not received mainly due to concerns about vaccine efficacy (28%). Other factors influencing vaccine uptake included education, prior childbirth and vaccine recommendations made by the provider.Conclusion: Although maternal vaccination of pertussis and influenza is officially recommended, vaccine uptake is suboptimal. Our study suggests a central role for medical providers in diminishing the concerns about safety and efficacy, and presents novel factors influencing compliance rates, like seasonality and number of prior births.


Author(s):  
Asif Parvez Malik ◽  
Sanjeewa Sumathipala

Seasonal influenza is of the most globally burdening vaccine-preventable diseases, infecting 3-5 billion people annually and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) resulting in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide. Vaccination against influenza and all respiratory infections carries greater emphasis in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With added pressure on healthcare systems due to the coronavirus, Qatar is one country that is keen to emphasise the importance of influenza vaccination to prevent potential co-infection causing severe disease especially in high-risk groups. Currently seasonal influenza vaccines protect against 3 or 4 strains with revised data from the WHO twice yearly due to the changing natures of strains helping to maximise efficacy of the vaccines. It is recommended for specific high-risk groups to be prioritised for vaccination, including pregnant women, the elderly, children above 6 months of age, patients with chronic conditions as well as front line healthcare workers with risk of exposure. However, uptake of the vaccine remains low and contributes significantly to the burden of the disease. Barriers to vaccine uptake can be physical, such as unhealthy lifestyles, psychological, such as perception of disease as low-risk, contextual, such as lack of access to vaccinations, or sociodemographic, such as living alone. Vaccine coverage can be increased by knowledge of these barriers and how to address them. The physical barriers highlight the need to support behavioural change in lifestyle in order to increase vaccine uptake. Psychological barriers, usually due to misconceptions, can be addressed with education through public health campaigns and interactions between health professionals and patients. This education is not just a need for patients but also healthcare workers. It is up to healthcare providers and contractors to find ways of addressing contextual and sociodemographic barriers by increasing access to vaccination whether through transport, or home–care etc. A key barrier of those mentioned to vaccination is a lack of knowledge which needs to be addressed though positive discussions about the health benefits of immunisation as well as the traditional idea of disease-risk prevention. Addressing the above barriers will help to increase vaccine uptake, and produce health-conscientious societies where vaccination becomes a social norm.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Oakley ◽  
Julien Bouchet ◽  
Paul Costello ◽  
James Parker

Abstract Background In the UK, annual influenza vaccination is currently recommended for adults aged 16–64 years who are in a clinical at-risk group. Despite recommendations, rates of vaccine uptake in the UK have historically been low and below national and international targets. This study aims to analyse vaccine uptake among adults in clinical at-risk groups from the 2015–2016 influenza season to the present. Methods A retrospective analysis of influenza vaccine coverage in the UK was conducted using data extracted from publicly available sources. Clinically at-risk individuals (as defined by Public Health England), including pregnant women, aged 16–64 years, were included in this study. Results Influenza vaccination coverage rates across the UK in adults aged 16–64 years in a clinical at-risk group have been consistently low over the past 5 years, with only 48.0, 42.4, 44.1 and 52.4% of eligible patients in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receiving their annual influenza vaccination during the 2018–2019 influenza season. Influenza vaccine coverage was lowest in patients with morbid obesity and highest in patients with diabetes in 2018–2019. Coverage rates were below current national ambitions of ≥75% in all clinical risk groups. In these clinical at-risk groups, influenza vaccine coverage decreased between 2015 and 2019, and there was considerable regional variation. Conclusions Uptake of the influenza vaccine by adults aged 16–64 years in a clinical at-risk group was substantially below the national ambitions. As a result, many individuals in the UK remain at high risk of developing severe influenza or complications. Given that people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at increased risk of complications from influenza, during the 2020–2021 season, there is a heightened need for healthcare professionals across the UK to address suboptimal vaccine uptake, particularly in at-risk patients. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should consider measures targeted at increasing access to and awareness of the clinical benefits of the influenza vaccine.


Author(s):  
Jung-Hyun Choi ◽  
Jaime Correia de Sousa ◽  
Monica Fletcher ◽  
Giovanni Gabutti ◽  
Lauriane Harrington ◽  
...  

AbstractDespite the implementation of effective paediatric vaccination programmes, pertussis remains a global health problem. Disease epidemiology has changed over time, shifting towards the adolescent and adult populations. In adults, the true burden of pertussis is greatly underestimated and pertussis vaccine coverage rates are suboptimal, including individuals with chronic conditions. Here, we report the outcomes of a virtual international scientific workshop to assess the evidence on the burden of pertussis in older adults and identify potential solutions to improve uptake of pertussis vaccines. In adults, pertussis is underdiagnosed in part due to atypical or milder clinical presentation and the lack of testing and case confirmation. However, contemporary epidemiological data denoted an increase in the burden of pertussis among adolescents and adults. This might be related to a variety of reasons including the waning of immunity over time, the lack of booster vaccination, and the improved diagnostic methods that led to increased recognition of the disease in adults. Pertussis sequelae can be severe in older adults, particularly those with existing chronic medical conditions, and the vulnerability of these groups is further enhanced by low pertussis vaccine coverage. Possible measures to increase vaccine uptake include strengthening and harmonisation of immunisation guidelines, healthcare professionals taking a more active role in recommending pertussis vaccination, involvement of vaccination centres and pharmacies in the vaccination process, and improving knowledge of pertussis burden and vaccine efficacy among the general population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amalie Dyda ◽  
Surendra Karki ◽  
Marlene Kong ◽  
Heather F Gidding ◽  
John M Kaldor ◽  
...  

Background: There is limited information on vaccination coverage and characteristics associated with vaccine uptake in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults. We aimed to provide more current estimates of influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal adults. Methods: Self-reported vaccination status (n=559 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, n=80,655 non-Indigenous participants) from the 45 and Up Study, a large cohort of adults aged 45 years or older, was used to compare influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults with coverage in non-Indigenous adults. Results: Of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged 49 to <65 years, age-standardised influenza coverage was respectively 45.2% (95% CI 39.5–50.9%) and 38.5%, (37.9–39.0%), p-value for heterogeneity=0.02. Coverage for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged ≥65 years was respectively 67.3% (59.9–74.7%) and 72.6% (72.2–73.0%), p-heterogeneity=0.16. Among Aboriginal adults, coverage was higher in obese than in healthy weight participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95%CI 1.44–3.94); in those aged <65 years with a medical risk factor than in those without medical risk factors (aOR=2.13, 1.37–3.30); and in those who rated their health as fair/poor compared to those who rated it excellent (aOR=2.57, 1.26–5.20). Similar associations were found among non-Indigenous adults. Conclusions: In this sample of adults ≥65 years, self-reported influenza vaccine coverage was not significantly different between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous adults whereas in those <65 years, coverage was higher among Aboriginal adults. Overall, coverage in the whole cohort was suboptimal. If these findings are replicated in other samples and in the Australian Immunisation Register, it suggests that measures to improve uptake, such as communication about the importance of influenza vaccine and more effective reminder systems, are needed among adults.


2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (13) ◽  
pp. 505-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piroska Orosi ◽  
Ágnes Borbély ◽  
Judit Szidor ◽  
János Sándor

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way of influenza prevention. The vaccination rate is low worldwide. In Hungary, the vaccine is free of charge to health care workers and, therefore, the low vaccination rate is unaccountable. Aims: In this study, the authors wanted to explore those factors which influence the refusal of vaccination. Methods: The Health Science Center of Debrecen University has about 4000 employees. The authors adjusted a questionnaire with 45 questions and sent it to 525 randomly selected health care workers, 294 of whom responded (response rate, 56%). The Epiinfo software was used for statistical evaluation. Results: The respondents strongly agreed that the vaccine is free and easy to obtain at the workplace. Official recommendations of the occupational health, the Medical Association of Hungary and advice of the family doctors failed to influence the decision. However, a significant impact of communication with family members, friends and colleagues on the decision was documented. Conclusions: The results indicate that the most important tool in decision making of influenza vaccination is the internal communication, but this effect is not a permanent one. International data show highly variable vaccination rates (between 2.1% and 82%). A better vaccination rate (98% or above) may be achieved with a mandatory influenza vaccination program among health care workers. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 505–513.


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