Effect of a vaccine information statement (VIS) on immunization status and parental knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding infant immunization in Japan

Aya Saitoh, Akihiko Saitoh, Tomohiro Katsuta, Mahito Mine, Hajime Kamiya, Isao Miyairi, Naruhiko Ishiwada, Makoto Oshiro, Ryutaro Kira, Naoki Shimizu, Shigeru Suga, Takeshi Tsugawa, Masashi Fujioka, Chiaki Miyazaki, Ichiro Morioka, Seigo Korematsu, Takashi Nakano, Keiko Tanaka-Taya, Tetsushi Yoshikawa, Satoshi IwataKoichi Kusuhara, Hiroshi Azuma, Hiroyuki Moriuchi, Nobuhiko Okabe, Mitsuaki Hosoya, Hiroyuki Tsutsumi, Kenji Okada

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Because of the overabundance of vaccination information on the internet, in the media, and on social media, providing clear and correct information on immunization is critical for parental decision-making. In 2018, the Japan Pediatric Society created and distributed a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to provide appropriate immunization information to caregivers. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effect of the VIS on immunization rates, adherence to schedule, and parental understanding of immunization in Japan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 centers in 2 prefectures in Japan. Caregivers were assigned to an intervention group, which received the VIS and a questionnaire when their child reached the age of 1 month, and a control group, which received only the questionnaire. Using the self-reported questionnaires, we evaluated vaccination rates and schedule adherence at age 2 months, and parental knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding immunization. Three months later, the questionnaires were returned, and the findings were compared between the 2 groups. Results: We contacted 422 and 428 persons in the intervention and control groups, respectively, and 111/422 (26.3%) and 119/428 (27.8%) returned the surveys. Vaccination rates and adherence rates for the first dose of 4 recommended vaccines did not differ significantly (P > 0.25); however, there were some positive effects on items related to vaccine knowledge (P = 0.03), perceived benefits (P = 0.02), perceived barriers (P < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The VIS improved parent comprehension of infant immunization. Future studies should examine if the effects of such an intervention persist and affect vaccine uptake throughout childhood.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8049-8054
Number of pages6
JournalVaccine
Volume38
Issue number50
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25-11-2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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