Hib vaccine coverage in children attending day care/nursery school in East York.
This survey assessed Haemophilus influenzae b vaccine coverage and factors affecting compliance in children at increased risk. A telephone survey was conducted of a random sample of 75 children, aged 24-60 months, attending licensed day care/nursery schools in East York. 96% of the sample was surveyed; only 51% were vaccinated. Older children were less likely to be immunized and there were more single-parent families among the non-vaccinated. The age, educational level and country of birth of the parents and the number of siblings were not associated with vaccination status. In 20% of the non-vaccinated group, concern about side effects was the main reason for non-compliance. For 91%, a factor of "moderate/very much concern" was the perceived unimportance of preventing Haemophilus influenzae b illness. Education for parents and physicians, special programs aimed at risk groups, and consideration of mandatory immunization against Haemophilus influenzae b in children attending day care/nursery schools are needed.
Whiting
C M
CM
Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto.
Schabas
R E
RE
Ashley
M J
MJ
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000592:standards*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009864:Ontario; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines