scholarly journals Vaccine hesitancy in India-the challenges: a review

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 4643
Author(s):  
Gopalakrishnan S. ◽  
Sujitha P.
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Universal Immunization Program ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Programme ◽  
Childhood Morbidity ◽  
National Immunization Programme ◽  
Urban Rural

Immunization is the most cost-effective scientific method of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In India the national immunization programme has not been able to attain complete coverage of the eligible children and hence mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases is approximately 5 lakhs annually.  Every year, 89 lakhs children are at risk to develop vaccine preventable diseases due to lack of immunization. While most people vaccinate according to the recommended schedule, this success is challenged by individuals and groups who delay, hesitant or refuse vaccines due to various reasons. Despite the realization of compulsory scheduling of vaccines, there are an alarming number of parents who do not permit the vaccination of their children as scheduled. Vaccine hesitancy refers to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. WHO in 2019 listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten global health threats. The recent vaccination coverage evaluation studies have shown that there is a perceptible drop in the vaccine coverage in most parts of India and also that the disparity in the urban-rural coverage is also widening. Hence an evaluation of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy is vital at present to strengthen the universal immunization program. The authors are trying to trace the present status and reasons for vaccine hesitancy reported in recent times, which can lead to outbreaks of already controlled vaccine preventable diseases and to identify strategies which are being implemented to overcome the vaccine hesitancy.

scholarly journals Determinants of Immunization Coverage and Associated Factors among Children aged under Two-Year-Old in the National Immunization Program of Mewat district, Haryana (2019-2020)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-196
Author(s):  
Vishesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Immunization Program ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Universal Immunization Program ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Full Immunization

Background: Vaccination against childhood communicable diseases through Expanded Program on Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Additional 1.5 million child deaths can be prevented if global vaccination coverage is improved. Mewat district has one of India’s lowest immunization rates despite a long-standing Universal Immunization Program and continues to sustain a high prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This study investigates determinants of immunization status among children aged 0-23 months. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020, among 800 children aged 0-23months, randomly selected in one rural and one urban ward each from all 4 blocks of Mewat. Socio-demographic conditions and vaccine-related data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Immunization was assessed by vaccination card and by mother’s recall where the card was unavailable. Results:Mewat has increased full immunization coverage from 13.1% in 2015-16 to 59.4%. Immunization card was available with 68.5% (292/426) beneficiaries. Dropout rates for Pentavalent1 to Pentavalent3 was 27.5% and 54% for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin to measles. After adjusting for the state of residence, religion, gender, paternal education, health professional presence during birth, place of vaccination and knowledge of mother on due dose were significantly associated with full immunization. Awareness gap and fear of side effects for vaccines were main reasons of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Full immunization coverage in the district is sub optimal and behind the desired coverage goal, mainly due to vaccine hesitancy. Enhancing community knowledge about the benefits of vaccination is recommended.

scholarly journals The State of Vaccine Confidence in Poland: A 2019 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip M. Furman ◽  
Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński ◽  
Mateusz Jankowski ◽  
Tomasz Baran ◽  
Łukasz Szumowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Immunization Programme ◽  
National Immunization Programme ◽  
Vaccine Confidence

Vaccination is considered as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. This study aimed to assess (1) the attitudes and behaviors towards mandatory childhood vaccination, with particular emphasis on socio-economic factors determining the vaccine confidence among adults in Poland as well as to (2) identify the potential impact of anti-vaccination movement on vaccination coverage among children and adolescents aged ≤19 years. This cross-sectional study was carried in 2019 on a nationwide, representative sample of 1079 individuals aged 18 and over in Poland (53.7% females). Most of the respondents (74.6%) agreed or strongly agreed that mandatory vaccinations are safe, and only 8% of participants neglected the safety of vaccines. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the lowest level of vaccine confidence was observed among participants aged 25–34 years (aOR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.29–0.80; p = 0.01). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.35; p < 0.001) between trust in doctors and vaccine confidence. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between trust in scientific knowledge and vaccine confidence (r = 0.19; p < 0.001). Also, a negative correlation (r = −0.13; p < 0.001) between trust in horoscopes and vaccine confidence was observed. Most of the parents declared (97.7%), that their children were vaccinated following the national immunization programme. However, 8.5% of parents who currently vaccinated their children declared that they would stop vaccinating children when vaccination obligation will be abolished. This study demonstrates relatively high confidence in mandatory vaccination among adults in Poland. While most of society trusts in vaccine safety, young adults are the least trustful of vaccinations.

scholarly journals Pharmacists’ one-to-one counseling succeeds in promoting flu shots among target population

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Brunelli ◽  
A Morsanutto ◽  
M Tosolini ◽  
A Iob ◽  
F Schiava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
One To One

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy among general population can be even greater regarding flu than other vaccine preventable diseases, as complacency towards influenza is quite high and confidence can be reduced by the confounding effect of influenza-like-illnesses. Health professionals face hesitant people alleging many different motivations against flu vaccination, some of them being susceptible to tailored one-to-one health promotion. Methods During 2019/20 flu vaccination campaign, 44 trained pharmacists of Carnia District in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (Italy) surveyed at-risk people accessing 25 pharmacies regarding beliefs on flu vaccination and offered one-to-one advice. As stated in the Italian national vaccination plan, subjects with comorbidities or older than 65 were considered at risk. Adherence to influenza vaccination during past flu season and reasons for that choice, as well as intention to be administered flu shots after counseling were registered. Results A total of 2,748 at-risk subjects adhered to the project with a mean age of 70±12 years, 57% of them being females; 1,702 (38%) did not adhere to flu vaccination campaign last year. Most of them confirmed a low complacency level, reporting to have refused flu vaccination because of “not getting ill” (43%) believing that vaccines are dangerous (12%) or not effective (5%); some did not know they could access flu vaccination (8%). After counseling, 2196 (80%) decided to adhere to flu vaccination, in particular 83% (1284/1555) of over 65 and 84% (684/816) of at-risk subjects. Conclusions More than one third of over 65 or at-risk surveyed subjects did not receive influenza vaccination during 2018/19 flu season. One-to-one tailored counseling conducted by pharmacists resulted to be effective in tackling vaccine hesitancy among 2019/20 flu shot target population. Key messages Motivations underlying vaccine hesitancy toward flu vaccination continue to impair health outcomes of target population. A one-to-one counseling intervention conducted by pharmacists with specific targets should be useful to improve seasonal flu vaccine coverage.

scholarly journals Immunization coverage under universal immunization programme in Kozhikode district, Kerala

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 3667
Author(s):  
Sreedevi C.
Keyword(s):  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Programme ◽  
Multi Stage

Background: Immunization is an important cost effective tool for preventing the morbidities and mortalities caused by vaccine preventable diseases. The objectives of this study were to assess the universal immunization programme coverage of children of 12–23 months of age in Kozhikode district and to study the factors associated with immunization coverage.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 30 randomly selected electoral wards of Kozhikode district which were selected using multi stage cluster sampling technique during April 2013 to May 2014.Results: 469 children were studied from 30 clusters. 75.5% was fully immunized while 1.5% was unimmunized. Dropout rate for DPT 3 to Measles was the highest accounting to 20.2%. Most common reason for failure of immunization among unimmunized was that the parents didn’t feel the need (57.1%) and for partially immunized was the illness of the child (27.8%) followed by lack of awareness of the time of immunization (22.2%). Religion, early age of the mother at marriage and first delivery and high birth order were significantly associated with a higher proportion of partially immunized while higher education of the parents (>12th standard), health worker’s home visit in the first year of the child and presence of immunization card were significantly associated with a high full immunization coverage (p<0.05).Conclusions: Immunization coverage of 75.5% is far behind the target to be achieved. 1.5% of the children didn’t get any of the vaccinations. It is very important to increases the coverage to prevent the re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases.

Unleashing Our Potential— Pharmacists' Role in Vaccination and Public Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 372-378
Author(s):  
Arjun Poudel ◽  
Esther T. L. Lau ◽  
Chris Campbell ◽  
Lisa M. Nissen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases

One of the greatest innovations in health care has been the development of vaccines and immunization programs that have significantly minimized the morbidity and mortality resulting from vaccine preventable diseases. While vaccines were traditionally used against infectious diseases, recent advances in technology have led to the development of vaccines for noncommunicable diseases and chronic conditions. Vaccinations are considered the most cost-effective intervention in public health that has the potential to save millions of lives every year. Despite the availability and effectiveness of vaccines for many diseases, immunization programs, and service uptake remain underused in many countries. This is mainly because of the lack of easy access to vaccinations, risk-benefit perceptions, false beliefs, and concerns about the side effects. Vaccine hesitancy—the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate, is listed as one of the top 10 threats to global health.

scholarly journals 2.H. Workshop: Vaccination challenges in developed & developing countries: where does the responsibility lie?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
The World

Abstract The world is facing multiple health challenges, among those the outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the rise of anti-vaccination groups. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease; it currently prevents 2-3 million deaths a year and a further 1.5 million could be avoided if global coverage is improved. Moreover, global immunization will contribute towards achieving broader global health goals under the UHC and SDG initiatives. Barriers to immunization may vary according to the country and specific context ranging from hesitancy, inappropriate communication, lack of resources, access, individual belief, management of adverse events following immunization etc. Vaccine hesitancy threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases and is listed by WHO in the 10 threats to global health in 2019. Access to vaccinations is sometimes difficult especially in rural areas affecting most vulnerable populations. Immunization history is not always well managed thus affecting the proper vaccination for all ages. Immunization is one of the best uses of limited public funds for health; however, financing for immunizations are often not covering in a sustainable matter the needs. The World Federation of Public Health Associations has developed a high-level “International Immunization Policy Taskforce” on vaccination policies to engage with public health associations, international organizations and like-minded partners to sustain the development, adoption and implementations of key vaccination policies at country level. The taskforce has developed a position paper that will be launched during the workshop to debate about role and responsibilities as well effective approaches to be applied both in developed and developing. The position paper has its roots in vaccination as human right and as a key component of UHC and SGD initiatives. Global immunization is crucial for every individual and the broader community to prevent diseases, promote health and wellbeing and protect the global population as highlighted in WFPHA Global Charter for the Public's Health. Key experts from different parts of the world will discuss strategies and synergies to create a global coordinated advocacy movement to foster engagement for equitable and effective global immunisation by governments and society at large. Key messages Vaccination challenges may vary from developed & developing countries. Responsibility for immunization uptake lies at different levels. Analyses, advocacy, action are key to prevent & face epidemics. Vaccination is not a personal choice rather a political choice. A strong advocacy movement by PHW is key to guarantee the best equitable and sustainable immunization worldwide.

scholarly journals Recent European Union (EU) initiatives to support national vaccination efforts

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I de La Mata
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Joint Action ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background Vaccination is the main tool for primary prevention of disease and one of the most cost-effective public health measures available. Immunisation through vaccination is the best defence we have against serious, preventable, and sometimes deadly, contagious diseases. Thanks to widespread vaccination, smallpox has been eradicated, Europe made polio-free, and many other diseases almost eliminated. Methods This presentation provides an overview of recent European Union (EU) initiatives to support national vaccination efforts. Results The EU has launched a number of initiatives to strengthen national vaccination efforts. In December 2018 the European Council adopted a Recommendation to strengthen the EU cooperation on vaccine-preventable diseases. The initiative aims to tackle vaccine hesitancy, improve coordination on vaccine procurement, support research and innovation, and strengthen EU cooperation on vaccine-preventable diseases. EU countries are encouraged to develop and implement national vaccination plans with initiatives to improve coverage, and to introduce routine vaccination status checks. The European Commission is also reinforcing its support to national vaccination efforts to increase coverage, including through the preparation of a Joint Action on vaccination co-funded by the Health Programme. Launching in 2018, the Joint Action will address vaccine hesitancy and seek to increase vaccination coverage in the EU. It is coordinated by INSERM (France) and involves 23 countries (among them 20 EU countries). Conclusions Vaccination policy is a competence of national authorities, but the European Commission assists EU countries in coordinating their policies and programmes.

The Role of Pharmacists in Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and the Measles Outbreak

2019 ◽  
pp. 089719001989543
Author(s):  
Katelin M. Lisenby ◽  
Kruti N. Patel ◽  
Michelle T. Uichanco
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Vaccine hesitancy has been identified as a top threat to global health by the World Health Organization. The current measles outbreak in the United States places even greater emphasis on the relevance of this topic. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective methods to avoid preventable disease and associated complications. Safety concerns and lack of education commonly contribute to vaccination refusals. By providing patients evidence-based facts and education, pharmacists have the opportunity to address common misconceptions influencing the antivaccination movement and prevent future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Unleashing Our Potential— Pharmacists' Role in Vaccination and Public Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 372-378
Author(s):  
Arjun Poudel ◽  
Esther T. L. Lau ◽  
Chris Campbell ◽  
Lisa M. Nissen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases

One of the greatest innovations in health care has been the development of vaccines and immunization programs that have significantly minimized the morbidity and mortality resulting from vaccine preventable diseases. While vaccines were traditionally used against infectious diseases, recent advances in technology have led to the development of vaccines for noncommunicable diseases and chronic conditions. Vaccinations are considered the most cost-effective intervention in public health that has the potential to save millions of lives every year. Despite the availability and effectiveness of vaccines for many diseases, immunization programs, and service uptake remain underused in many countries. This is mainly because of the lack of easy access to vaccinations, risk-benefit perceptions, false beliefs, and concerns about the side effects. Vaccine hesitancy—the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate, is listed as one of the top 10 threats to global health.

scholarly journals Vaccination policy strategies in Ontario

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-102
Author(s):  
Ankur Chhabra
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Policy Strategies ◽  
Substantial Decline

Vaccination is considered to be one of the greatest public health achievements, contributing to a substantial decline in infectious disease mortality in Canada. However, a growing threat of vaccine hesitancy has led to an upsurge in the prevalence and incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases across the globe, including Canada. Vaccine hesitancy is on the rise in the province of Ontario. Parental vaccine hesitancy, vaccine misconceptions, rising non-medical vaccine exemption rates, and low childhood vaccination coverage has led to a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases, especially measles. Given the importance of achieving high vaccine coverage to avoid vaccine-preventable diseases and their dire consequences, vaccine hesitancy is an important issue that needs to be addressed. There is no perfect solution to address vaccine hesitancy. Understanding the complex mix of factors that determine individual and collective vaccination behaviour is vital to designing effective vaccination policies, programs, and targeted interventions. This article critiques current vaccine policy strategies and outlines a policy approach to address parental vaccine hesitancy and prevent future vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, specifically in Ontario, and more broadly within Canada. Providing support to healthcare providers and primary care physicians; and empowering parents, schools, students, families, and communities in Ontario, will slowly but surely mitigate vaccine hesitancy and enable healthy vaccination behaviours. Healthcare system-based interventions seem to be the most comprehensive approach that requires coordinated efforts and partnerships between community-based organizations and vaccination providers to ensure inclusive and integrated service delivery.

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