Parents’ Opinions and Knowledge About Vaccination in Poland - A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite the fact that vaccines save many lives worldwide, in many countries, including Poland, the percentage of unvaccinated children is constantly growing. The main reasons for low immunisation coverage include parents' concerns about the safety of vaccines, their fears related to possible adverse events following vaccination, and the increasingly powerful activity of anti-vaccine movements. It is necessary to monitor the public's attitudes to vaccination in order to implement appropriate solutions to prevent a resurgence of epidemics. The aim of the study was to assess Polish parents' opinions about and awareness of immunisation-related issues. Methods: The study, based on an online survey, investigated Polish mothers' attitudes towards the use of vaccines, their opinions regarding the sanctions for a failure to vaccinate a child, and the correlations between the result and the socio-demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 646 responses were collected, including 593 from mothers from generalinterest groups and 53 from anti-vax groups. Differences were identified in vaccination coverage among children of respondents from general-interest groups and anti-vax groups. The findings show that the respondents from anti-vax groups stopped vaccinating more often due to vaccine adverse events and inadequate response from doctors. Conclusion: Most of the respondents are aware of anti-vaccine movements and have a negative attitude to them, but these movements still influence the public. Also, the findings show a correlation between the level of education and a general attitude to immunisationpeople with higher education more often have a negative opinion on this matter.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Poland—Multifactorial Impact Trajectories

“…It should be noted, however, that one of the Polish studies [ 17 ] was partially interventional (an interview induced by information presented to the respondent on vaccination and COVID-19). Thus far, apart from the studies discussed above, most of the Polish studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy have focused on selected professional [ 47 , 48 ] and societal groups [ 49 , 50 ]. Our study addresses the problem of vaccine hesitancy in the broadest way through multivariate statistical modeling, and primarily refers to the general population.…”

Parents’ Attitudes towards Vaccinations Regarding the Ukrainian Migration to Poland in 2022

“…The following Polish studies examined parents’ feelings about recommended vaccines: according to Janosz J. et al, a positive attitude towards the recommended vaccinations was recorded in 60% of the parents who had children under 3 years of age [ 19 ]; according to Lipska E. et al, 44% of surveyed parents had their children vaccinated with at least one recommended vaccine [ 20 ]; according to Pisaniak P. et al, 66.41% of the parents would reach for the recommended vaccinations for their children if they were free of charge. Nevertheless, in that study, respondents who refused to have their children vaccinated would not like to receive the vaccines, even if they were free [ 21 ]. A Polish large survey study revealed that the majority of women wanted to be vaccinated and have their children vaccinated, and considered vaccines to be safe and effective against infectious diseases [ 22 ].…”

Проблема Отказов От Вакцинации И Пути Решения

“…The results of another Polish study show that most parents are aware of the anti-vaccination movements and have a negative attitude towards them, but these movements still influence the public. In addition, the results show a correlation between the level of education and general attitudes towards immunization -people with higher education are more likely to have a negative opinion on this issue [13].…”

“…Результаты другого польского исследования свидетельствуют о том, что большинство родителей знают о движениях против вакцинации и негативно относятся к ним, но эти движения все еще влияют на общественность. Кроме того, результаты показывают корреляцию между уровнем образования и общим отношением к иммунизациилюди с высшим образованием чаще имеют негативное мнение по этому вопросу [13].…”