Timely MMR Vaccination in Infancy: Influence of Attitudes and Medical Advice on the Willingness to Vaccinate

Abstract

In light of the failure to eliminate measles by 2010, the closure of any gaps in immunisation coverage is of paramount importance to interrupt transmission and to protect vulnerable individuals. Not only vaccination-critical attitudes of parents but furthermore the medical advice by physician in charge influence the vaccine uptake. 3 groups of factors which potentially influence parental decisions on child vaccination were analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression for the timely uptake of the first and the second dose of measles vaccination: parents' attitudes towards immunization, the influence of medical and laypersons and the influence of the advice of a medical doctor. A total of 3 041 children were eligible for the analysis. 53.0% of these received the first and 42.9% the second MMR dose in time. If parents considered that vaccinations are important and protective as well as the consulted physician advices towards vaccinations, children had significantly higher chances of a timely vaccination. Whereas, if parents were afraid of vaccinations or get advised by an alternative practitioner, the children had lower chances of being vaccinated in time. If medical providers help parents to reduce uncertainties about vaccination the chance for children to be vaccinated in time increased. It appeared that there still are unmet information needs after the medical consultation. By and large the medical advice plays an important role for vaccination uptake and its timing. In order to raise the vaccination rates further target-population specific approaches are needed.

A systematic review of parental vaccine hesitancy and refusal in childhood vaccination

“…In 4 of the 13 studies, associations were found for questions related to the efficacy of the vaccine (21,43,61,62), and these studies were conducted in the United States, Canada, Italy and Sweden. In 3 of the 13 studies, associations were found for questions related to safety of the vaccines (18, 60, 62), and these studies were conducted in the was found between belief in the efficacy of the vaccine with vaccination status (24,39,47,64,73,77,80,(82)(83)(84), and these studies were most commonly conducted in Israel (n=3) and Japan (n=2). Of the 10 of 57 studies that found an association between belief in the efficacy of the vaccine and vaccination status, 2 investigated all childhood vaccines (24,84), and 7 investigated attitudes and beliefs about influenza vaccine (39,47,64,73,77,80).…”

“…In 3 of the 13 studies, associations were found for questions related to safety of the vaccines (18, 60, 62), and these studies were conducted in the was found between belief in the efficacy of the vaccine with vaccination status (24,39,47,64,73,77,80,(82)(83)(84), and these studies were most commonly conducted in Israel (n=3) and Japan (n=2). Of the 10 of 57 studies that found an association between belief in the efficacy of the vaccine and vaccination status, 2 investigated all childhood vaccines (24,84), and 7 investigated attitudes and beliefs about influenza vaccine (39,47,64,73,77,80). In 11 of the 57 studies, an association was found between vaccination status and trust in doctors and health care professionals or recommendations from a doctor (24,41,66,69,80,(85)(86)(87)(88)(89).…”

“…Of the 10 of 57 studies that found an association between belief in the efficacy of the vaccine and vaccination status, 2 investigated all childhood vaccines (24,84), and 7 investigated attitudes and beliefs about influenza vaccine (39,47,64,73,77,80). In 11 of the 57 studies, an association was found between vaccination status and trust in doctors and health care professionals or recommendations from a doctor (24,41,66,69,80,(85)(86)(87)(88)(89). Of those, 6 participants were asked about all childhood vaccines (24,68,69,(85)(86)(87), and influenza vaccines in 4 studies (41,66,80,88).…”

“…In 11 of the 57 studies, an association was found between vaccination status and trust in doctors and health care professionals or recommendations from a doctor (24,41,66,69,80,(85)(86)(87)(88)(89). Of those, 6 participants were asked about all childhood vaccines (24,68,69,(85)(86)(87), and influenza vaccines in 4 studies (41,66,80,88).…”

Impfethik und das Recht auf größtmögliche Gesundheit

“…B. bei einer großen Zahl von Menschen, bei denen wegen einer Entwicklungsstörung mit Epilepsie nach einer Keuchhusten-Impfung ein Impfschaden anerkannt worden war, retrospektiv ein Dravet-Syndrom -eine genetisch bedingte Enzephalopathie -festgestellt werden [ 6 ] . Die zeitgerechte Durchführung der Impfungen, vor allem gegen Masern, Mumps und Röteln hängt viel von der ärztlichen Beratung ab; eine Verunsicherung der Eltern durch alternativ eingestellte Ärzte kann sich nachteilig auswirken [ 8 ] . Aber selbst bei Frühgeborenen mit einem Geburtsgewicht unter 1 500 g sind die üblichen Routineimpfungen ab dem 3.…”