Understanding the reasons for refusal of polio vaccine by families in Quetta Block, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Global polio eradication is a goal yet to be achieved in countries like Pakistan. In recent years, the Polio Eradication Initiative has been making steady progress with good campaign coverage and low numbers of polio cases. However, in 2019 Pakistan reported 146 cases compared to 12 in 2018. A major factor cited for this regression was a surge in vaccine refusals by parents and caretakers. Aims: To assess the reasons for the refusal of polio vaccination in Quetta Block, Balochistan. Methods: The study was conducted using data acquired from 2 polio vaccination campaigns over 3 months in 2019. The data were collected in Quetta Block, a highly endemic zone having continuous transmission of the polio virus over several years. The data were analysed using the statistical software, SPSS, version 20. We used descriptive statistics to demonstrate the characteristics of the study population. Categorical variables were measured as frequencies and percentages. Results: Refusal rates were almost 8.6% for the polio campaign of April and 8.1% for June 2019. Misconceptions about vaccines made up 56.4% of reasons for refusals, followed by religion 16%. Conclusion: Misconceptions about the vaccine are the main driving force behind vaccine refusals in the study setting. Efficient strategies are required to address misconceptions in this red zone of poliovirus transmission in Balochistan.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Perceptions of the Community about Polio in High-Risk Areas of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

“…However, the same reasons, such as direct refusal followed by refusal due to some misconceptions and religious reasons, persisted in 12 SIAs. These findings are consistent with the studies performed in the country in the recent past [ 24 ]. We documented that vaccine hesitancy still remains high in the HRUCs.…”

Factors Associated with Vaccine Refusal (Polio and Routine Immunization) in High-Risk Areas of Pakistan: A Matched Case-Control Study

“…Factors indicated to enhance vaccination rates include improved parental education and awareness, maternal empowerment, high socioeconomic conditions, and previous visits by health workers [ 10 , 13 , 14 ]. On the other hand, insufficient belief in immunization, compromised caregiver experiences, vaccine misconceptions, fear of side effects, unavailability of the mother, and distance to the vaccination facility negatively influenced polio and routine immunization [ 1 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Furthermore, widespread skepticism about vaccine ingredients, as many people believe that vaccines are made of porcine materials—which are strongly forbidden in Islam—is also a significant barrier to vaccine administration and delivery [ 18 ].…”

Determinants of parental knowledge and attitude towards poliomyelitis and its immunization in Sialkot city: a mix method study

“…4 World Health Organization (WHO) considers vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 health threats in the world, manifesting in refusal to vaccinate in both developed and developing/transitional countries. 5 In Pakistan, refusal rates to polio vaccination vary from as low as 3.15% in Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions 6 , to 8.1% in Quetta 7 , 27.9% in Bannu District 8 , and 61.3% in Karachi. 9 Vaccination provides substantial benefits by reducing disease, disability, and death and enhancing herd immunity as a reduction of mortality and morbidity in children under the age of 5.…”