Childhood vaccination hesitancy in Saudi Arabia: A time for action

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the health care provider (HCP) perception and knowledge about vaccination and to determine the presence of hesitancy toward it. Methods: An observational study on HCPs was conducted in King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire. The HCPs were categorized as physicians, nurses, and allied health care specialists with total participants of 344. Results: 24% expressed disagreement with the vaccination schedule required by the Saudi Ministry of Health and 17% expressed reluctance in recommending or receiving vaccines in general. There was an apparent reluctance toward the influenza vaccination among allied health care specialists compared to nurses and physicians (42.5% vs 6% vs 11.8% respectively, p = <0.0001). Furthermore, 6% of the HCPs stated they believe of a strong correlation between GBS and the seasonal influenza vaccine, and 8% expressed an association between measles vaccine and autism. Years of experience significantly implicated HCP perceived confidence in explaining vaccine safety and efficacy. HCPs with less experience expressed a lack of confidence in the matter compared to their colleagues with more experience (20.9% vs. 10.7%, respectively, p = 0.0262). Conclusions: HCPs’ confidence in vaccination are essential in influencing their patients. Therefore, it is essential to improve the knowledge and awareness of vaccination among HCPs.

Keywords

• Vaccination hesitancy
• Health care workers
• Immunization
• Saudi Arabia
• Cross sectional study
• Vaccine