Acceptability of meningococcal serogroup B vaccine among parents and health care workers in Italy: A survey

Abstract

A new meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4 CMenB) has recently been licensed. This study assessed the acceptability of 4 CMenB vaccine among parents and healthcare workers (HCWs). From May to July 2013 in Milan, Italy, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 2050 parents of infants presenting at immunization clinics for the mandatory hexavalent vaccination and submitted to 350 HCWs involved in immunization practices. 1842 parents (89.1%) responded to the survey; 64.4% of parents wanted their child to receive the 4 CMenB vaccine and 5.1% would not vaccinate their children. Multivariate analysis showed that recognition of the severity of meningitis [a life threatening vs a mild or unthreatening disease (Odds ratio (OR): 2.3; confidence interval (CI): 1.4-3.6], awareness of vaccination as a beneficial preventive measure (very beneficial vs not beneficial OR = 6.4; CI 3.0-13.7) and knowledge of the Meningococcal C vaccine (OR = 1.4; CI 1.1-1.8) were strongly associated to willingness to receive 4 CMenB vaccine. On the contrary, level of education was associated with refusal of immunization (university vs education level lower than middle school OR = 0.68; CI 0.47-0.97). Among the parents who were willing to immunize their children, 66.9% would agree with three injections to be administered during the same visit. A total of 291 HCWs (83.1%) agreed to participate in the survey; 73% considered 4 CMenB vaccine a priority in infants' immunization schedule; 26.8% of HCWs suggested the concomitant administration with routine infant immunization. Parental and HCWs acceptability of 4 CMenB vaccine was high. Increasing knowledge about meningitis and vaccine prevention might further increase the acceptability of this vaccine.

UK parents’ attitudes towards meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination: a qualitative analysis

“…9 MenB vaccine is another significant milestone in the prevention of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. Our findings mirror those from other studies conducted in other high-income countries in Europe [26][27][28] and Australia, 29 although there were considerable differences in the populations sampled in terms of age and sampling methods. Only one other study explicitly explored the hypothetical impact on vaccine acceptance of an increased risk of mild-to-moderate fever associated with the vaccine.…”

“…That study reported that it reduced intent to immunise for only a small proportion. 29 The recommendation to give prophylactic paracetamol after the MenB doses at 2 and 4 months represents a change in advice with potential for confusion. Most parents in our study reported that despite some concerns, if advised to do so they would be likely to administer paracetamol.…”

Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine: Knowledge and acceptability among parents in Italy

“…Indeed, numerous studies in different countries have investigated the knowledge of Meningococcal meningitis and the acceptability of the MenB vaccine among parents and adolescents, [12][13][14][15][16] but specifically in Italy, the studies conducted on this issue are very limited. 17 Understanding the behaviors of parents is essential and a priority to implement and improve the immunization programs and to effectively prevent infectious diseases and mortality in children.…”

What are the beliefs and perceptions of practice nurses’ influence about the uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine?: An integrative literature review

“…This raises the importance of ensuring that a recording system is accurate and contemporary to minimize the resource required in following up those who do not attend for appointments (Cotter et al, 2003). trusting their HCP judgement about vaccine choices (Mameli et al, 2014). Although the number of multiple vaccines is increasing in national programmes, the practice of administering multiple simultaneous vaccines is not a new phenomenon.…”