The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
August 2010 – Volume 29 – Issue 8
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/currenttoc.aspx

Parental Attitudes About Influenza Immunization and School-Based Immunization for School-Aged Children
Allison, Mandy A.; Reyes, Maria; Young, Paul; Calame, Lynne; Sheng, Xiaoming; Weng, Hsin-yi Cindy; Byington, Carrie L.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 29(8):751-755, August 2010.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181d8562c

Abstract:
Objectives: Identify parental beliefs and barriers related to influenza immunization of school-aged children and acceptance of school-based influenza immunization.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of elementary school-aged children in November 2008. Outcomes were receipt of influenza vaccine, acceptance of school-based immunization, and barriers to immunization.

Results: Response rate was 65% (259/397). Parents reported that 26% of children had received the vaccine and 24% intended receipt. A total of 50% did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with receipt were belief that immunization is a social norm (adjusted odds ratios [AOR], 10.8; 95% CI, 2.8-41.8), belief in benefit (AOR, 7.8; CI, 1.8-33.8), discussion with a doctor (AOR, 7.0; CI, 2.9-16.8), and belief that vaccine is safe (AOR, 4.0; CI, 1.0-15.8). A total of 75% of parents would immunize their children at school if the vaccine were free, including 59% (76/129) who did not plan to immunize. Factors associated with acceptance of school-based immunization were belief in benefit (AOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.7-14.0), endorsement of medical setting barriers (AOR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.3), and beliefs that immunization is a social norm (AOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6) and that the child is susceptible to influenza (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.7). Medical setting barriers were competing time demands, inconvenience, and cost; school barriers were parents’ desire to be with children and competence of person delivering the vaccine.

Conclusions: School-based immunization programs can increase immunization coverage by targeting parents for whom time demands and inconvenience are barriers, demonstrating that immunization is a social norm, and addressing concerns about influenza vaccine benefit and safety.