Public confidence in vaccines in Villa Yacanto de Calamuchita, a rural community in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy, a delay in acceptance or the rejection of vaccines, even when they are available (a definition by the World Health Organization, WHO), is a global and dynamic problem that requires surveillance. Argentina has one of the largest immunization schedules in the world. However, it is estimated that the vaccine coverage is lower than recommended, and different aspects regarding hesitancy may be underlying this scenario. Therefore, our objective was to study the public confidence in vaccines in a rural area of Córdoba, Argentina: Villa Yacanto, Calamuchita.

A cross-sectional, observational study was accomplished, which was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Hospital of Clinics, Córdoba (REPIS N° 3411). Convenience non-probabilistic sampling. The survey was carried out using a standard questionnaire designed by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), validated in situ (2018/2019). Participants: adults residents at Villa Yacanto. Data were analyzed using Infostat.

A total of 171 adults were surveyed, aged 18 to 72 years old (median 38); 73% (124/171) female; 83% (142/171) with children. Of those, 88% (151/171) of respondents believe that vaccines can protect children from serious illnesses, but 19% (33/171) think that only some parents vaccinate their children with all the recommended vaccines and 28% (48/171) said they had doubts / distrust about getting themselves vaccinating or getting their children vaccinated and 12% (21/171) rejected an indicated vaccine. The most controversial vaccines are anti-HPV and anti-Flu. Also, 46% (79/171) received or heard negative information about vaccines and of them 23% (18/79) changed their mind about getting themselves vaccinated or their children. In addition, 19% do not think that all vaccines are effective, 16% is not aware of the fact that getting vaccinated is important for others in the community, 24% consider that not all vaccines are beneficial, 21% believe that new vaccines carry more risks, 20% expressed not trusting the information that is received from health authorities, 36% are concerned about adverse effects and 30% do not believe that children still need vaccines for diseases that are no longer common. The reported percentage of complete immunization card in adults is 77% (132/171) and for children it is 85% (121/142).

The results evidence that current public confidence in vaccines is threatened in the community studied, so delivering the population with quality information should be reinforced.