Refusals and delay of immunization within southwest Alberta. Understanding alternative beliefs and religious perspectives.
BACKGROUND
Immunization is a necessary component of well child services within public health. Despite the documented effectiveness of vaccines, some parents choose to refuse or delay immunization for their children. Adherence to different beliefs has affected immunization coverage in one Regional Health Authority in Southwest Alberta.


METHODS
This qualitative study involved exploratory, descriptive open-ended interviews with a sample of 47. The sample included people of Dutch ethnic background, Hutterites, and parents and practitioners who engage in alternative health beliefs and practices.


RESULTS
Major findings include: 1) among the Dutch, most noted their decision to refuse to immunize was based on religious beliefs; 2) the Hutterites' decision not to immunize was due to their experiences with adverse reactions but was further supported by their use of alternative health; and, 3) the alternative health group are more concerned with the safety of vaccines with regard to the short- and long-term effects on their children's health.


CONCLUSIONS
All three groups conveyed a common concern of child health and safety. Educational initiatives need to be implemented to allay parents' fears. Community development activities with individuals of the groups included here who support immunization will increase acceptance of immunization.
Kulig
Judith C
JC
School of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4. kulig@uleth.ca
Meyer
Cathy J
CJ
Hill
Shirley A
SA
Handley
Cathy E
CE
Lichtenberger
Sue M
SM
Myck
Sharon L
SL
D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D009426:Netherlands / Q000208:ethnology; D010290:Parents; D012070:Religion and Science; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000208:ethnology; D014612:Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects
D014612:Vaccines