Survey of Pediatricians' Perceptions on the Vaccination of Children with History of Febrile Seizures and Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Some pediatricians have been reported to be reluctant to vaccinate children with a history of febrile seizures and epilepsy. Pediatricians should conduct an investigation regarding the degree of implementation and need for preventive vaccination in children with history of febrile seizures and epilepsy and the incidence of side effects that actually occur to evaluate the penetration rate needed for children with a history of seizures in the country. Methods: The survey was conducted using a questionnaire sent to 326 members of the Pusan Pediatrics Society. The survey was conducted from March to June 2016. A total of 115 responses were received. Results: Of 115 members, 72 (62.6%) vaccinated children with a history of febrile seizures and epilepsy, 98 (85.2%) responded positively to the need for vaccination for these children, and 79 (68.6%) were unsure of its safety. When asked what was the sufficient monitoring time needed before vaccinating since the last seizure or well-controlled epilepsy, 26 (22.6%) and 29 members (25.2%) responded more than 6 months, which was the most common answer in both cases. Conclusion: Establishing a guideline for the appropriate monitoring period and indication of vaccination in children with history of febrile seizures and epilepsy is required to reassure pediatricians and patients about the vaccination.