Parental Attitudes and Knowledge Towards Childhood Vaccination

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the knowledge levels and attitudes of parents about childhood vaccinations, their perspective on immunization services, and the rate of vaccination of their children. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between July-October 2020 with 111 parents who applied to the pediatric outpatient clinic. Vaccine Confidence Scale (VCS) was used to evaluate the benefits and harms of vaccination, and trust in healthcare providers. Results: Of the participants’ children, 95.5% (n= 106) were regularly vaccinated with childhood vaccinations and 21.8% (n= 24) had their children vaccinated with at least one self-paid vaccine. Self-paid vaccination coverage rates of the children of low-income and low-educated parents were significantly lower (p< 0.05). 23.4% (n= 26) reported that they were in contact with anti-vaxxers within their community. The VCS score of the parents who thought that the vaccine was necessary and who did not support anti-vaccination movement were found to be significantly higher (p< 0.05). Parents that had contact with anti-vaxxers within their community had a lower total VCS (p= 0.005). Conclusion: Although most parents have their children vaccinated with routine childhood vaccines and had confidence in vaccination, not all of these parents thought that the vaccine was necessary. Health profes-sionals should accurately inform families to demonstrate the necessity of vaccination and maintain vaccination rates and protect public health.