PARENTAL IMMUNIZATION REFUSAL

Abstract

Parental vaccine refusal is raising concern and has received considerable attention worldwide. Although the most prevalent and consistent predictor for vaccine refusal remains adverse events follow immunization (AEFI). Other causes exist that could increase risk when combined. Awareness regarding immunization refusal risk factor and adopt a practice to address parent’s concerns to reduce risk, including clinic base education, academic detailing and reminder recall interventions have been show to increase knowledge and vaccine coverage. The purpose of this review is to examine the state of science on immunization refusal and gain knowledge about the nature and origins of parent’s concerns, attitudes, beliefs and behavior; and how that might impact on global health and immunization practices. Nursing theory and model are examined. Strategies that can be implemented by the Advanced Practitioner Register Nurse (APRN) to address parental concerns; thus increase knowledge and intentions to vaccinate their children are explored.

 

 

Index Terms – Beliefs, attitudes, immunization refusal, knowledge, vaccine, vaccine program.