A study on parent’s perceptions of vaccination, reasons for missed vaccinations in children aged 6 weeks to 36 months, and guidance on their consequences

Abstract

Background and Objectives- Vaccination is a crucial public health measure that has significantly reduced infectious disease rates in children. Understanding parental perceptions, identifying reasons for missed vaccinations, and providing guidance on the consequences of under-vaccination are essential for improving immunization coverage. This study explores these factors in children aged 6 weeks to 36 months.
Materials and Methods- This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at the immunization clinic of the pediatric outpatient department at VMKVMCH. A total of 500 parents of children aged 6 weeks to 36 months were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, and detailed vaccination histories were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29, with descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses applied.
Results
Among the 500 participants, the highest proportion of children (30%) were aged 7-12 months, and there was a slight male predominance (54%). Education and socioeconomic status were key determinants of vaccination coverage. 72% were fully vaccinated, 22% were partially vaccinated, and 6% were unvaccinated. The most common reasons included lack of awareness (28.6%), fear of side effects (21.4%), parental negligence (25%), vaccine unavailability (14.3%), and religious/cultural beliefs (10.7%). Low hesitancy was observed in 64%, moderate hesitancy in 24%, and high hesitancy in 12% of parents.
Conclusion- While vaccination coverage in the study population was relatively high, vaccine hesitancy and missed vaccinations remain concerns. Addressing parental misconceptions through education and improving healthcare accessibility can enhance immunization rates. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted interventions in increasing vaccine adherence and reducing hesitancy