Conference abstract

Why are medical and military staff resistance to vaccination?

Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2017:4(123).04 Dec 2017.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2017.4.123.510
Archived on: 04 Dec 2017
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Military, resistance, vaccination
Abstract

Why are medical and military staff resistance to vaccination?

Majid Althaqafy1,&, Mark Pearce1, Richard McNally1, Shahaduz Zaman1

1Newcastle University, United Kingdom

&Corresponding author
Majid Althaqafy, Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Introduction: compliance rates of vaccination among health care workers (HCWs) are historically low and had been conflicting. Although vaccines are available, prevalence of some of infections not changed and some increased per year in Saudi Arabia, effectiveness of immunization program and the vaccine compliance barriers could be contributing factors and require further depth investigation. The aim of this study was to gain an in depth understanding of the reasons why some of HCWs and military soldiers are reluctant to get vaccinated and understand more about their awareness about communicable disease and preventive measures in work sitting.

Methods: a qualitative research through focus groups discussion with newly recruited employee in 2014-2015 and in depth interviews among immunization services team were conducted based on topic lists and semi-structured interview guides.

Results: data were transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis techniques with grounded theory approach has been used in identifying, analyzing, and reporting on themes and subthemes. The main themes emerged from the data regarding vaccine none compliance: vaccine related such as side effects of vaccines and painful vaccination; Personal related such as lack of knowledge and busy schedule; Organization related such as lack of motivation and no reminder system; social media related such as vaccine rumors.

Conclusion: this study reveals a deeper understanding of the behavior and decision making to accept and reject a vaccine. Although numerous challenges are present in the health care and military setting, practice of infection prevention and control should mirror that performed in hospitals outside the combat zone whenever possible.