The analysis of parental attitude towards active immunoprophylaxis and its influence on the implementation of an Immunization Schedule among children in Poland

ABSTRACTThe analyses of parental attitude towards active immunoprophylaxis and its influence on the implementation of an Immunization Schedule (IS) among children under 2 years of age in Poland were performed. Three-hundred legal guardians filled out a questionnaire, and 83.67% of parents admitted having concerns about vaccinations in their children. Most respondents reported a previous contact with anti-vaccination statements (AVS). The predisposing factors for such contacts included a more advanced parental age, higher education, good financial status, and living in a city of over 100,000 inhabitants. A delay in age-appropriate immunization was found in 40.49% of children. Findings suggest that the problem of vaccine hesitancy is common. Dissemination of clear and homogenous information campaigns as a response to AVS may increase vaccine acceptance among parents.