Vaccine adherence: the rate of hesitancy toward childhood immunization in Kazakhstan

OBJECTIVES: Vaccines are considered one of the most important inventions of human history that enabled the containment of several infectious diseases. However, there is a global decrease in the rate of vaccination and an increase in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. The aims of the current study are to determine childhood vaccine hesitancy and its influencing factors in Kazakhstan.

METHODS: This cross sectional online-based study was conducted between Sep until Nov of 2019.

RESULTS: A total of 387 participants of which 70% were females with the majority under the age of 40 years and having one child or more. More than a third (35%) of the participants identified themselves as vaccine hesitant, 71% believed that vaccines are effective, and 65% believed that vaccines are good. Vaccine source of information appears to be an influential factor as those who receive information from healthcare providers have no concerns about vaccination.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Kazakhstan. There is a high rate of vaccine hesitancy and low rate of vaccine knowledge identified in the participant group. Healthcare providers have a unique position in improving parents' vaccine knowledge and acceptance.