We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Factors influencing childhood influenza immunization.
- Authors
Grant, Vincent J.; Le Saux, Nicole; Plint, Amy C.; Correll, Rhonda; Gaboury, Isabelle; Ellis, Edward; Tam, Theresa W.S.
- Abstract
Abstract FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF A PUBLICLY FUNDED influenza immunization program for all residents of Ontario over the age of 6 months, we evaluated 203 parents of children who presented to our emergency department between January and March of the following year (2001). Overall, 54 (27%) of the children had been vaccinated. Parents of non-immunized children were more likely to believe that immunization resulted in a flu-like illness (42% v. 17%; p = 0.001), caused side effects that were more severe than having influenza (36% v. 17%; p = 0.010) and weakened the immune system (52% v. 24%; p < 0.001). Parents of both immunized and non-immunized children incorrectly identified gastrointestinal symptoms as symptoms of influenza. The primary reason for deciding against immunization was the belief that their child was not at risk. After adjustment, children with a chronic disease were more likely than those without a chronic disease to be immunized (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-12.6). Children of parents who discussed immunization with a physician were more likely to be immunized than those who had not discussed immunization with a physician (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.4-19.2).
- Subjects
ONTARIO; CANADA; CHILDREN; INFLUENZA; IMMUNIZATION of children; HEALTH education; PREVENTION of communicable diseases; VACCINATION complications; PREVENTIVE medicine
- Publication
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), 2003, Vol 168, Issue 1, p39
- Publication type
Article