National Review of Influencing Factors on Caregivers Considerate in the Decision of Inoculating Children Under 3 Years of Age

Li-Li Ho1, Chiu-Mei Chen1, Wei-Shiang Tzau1, Yi-Chien Chih2, Hui-Ping Huang1, Ya-Ping Chou1, Shih-Hao Liu1

2012 Vol.28 NO.3

Correspondence Author： Li-Li Ho

Abstract：

Although government facilities made the utmost efforts to encourage influenza vaccine immunization for children less than 3 years of age in Taiwan during the flu season, due to the confidence crisis caused by the H1N1 influenza vaccine, the inoculation rate has still significantly dropped. Through this investigation, we will try to understand the vaccine information sources of caregivers, the reasons for not bringing children for vaccination, the influencing factors in the changes in inoculation willingness in the future, and plan future communication strategies accordingly.
The investigated subjects focused in this study consist of main caregivers of infants and children above 6 months of age and under 3 years of age. During the period between March 18th and 20th of 2011, random selections were made via telephone interviews, accomplishing a total of 1,090 valid samples. The results of the investigation show, at one time, 67.5% of children caregivers mainly receive vaccine-related information from “television news reports”; however, referential information that influences the decision in inoculating the children or not is mainly received by “consulting physicians” (63.5%). In the past, the main reason for not inoculating their children is due to the “fear of side effects of vaccines.” Through analysis, it was found that factors tended to “maintain inoculation” included those who show a higher cognitive towards the high susceptibility of children towards influenza, a higher level of acceptance towards the benefits of influenza vaccines, a lower level of concern towards the safety of new vaccines, a lower level of concern for side-effects of inoculation, inoculation appointments are recorded in Children Health Handbooks, physician who provide information and advice inquiry, and a higher confidence in government prevention measures.
It is recommended that first-line public health personnel use the Children Health Handbooks and make appointments for influenza vaccine inoculating, and with the professional status of physicians, provide medical information and advice in aiding children caregivers to establish correct health concepts, clarify doubts about possible side effects of vaccines.