LOOK AT THIS IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN:
Understanding the childhood vaccination practices of medical specialists in Armenia and their perceived barriers and drivers to positive practices.
HOW YOU CAN USE THIS MATERIAL:
Immunisation practitioners in Armenia and the surrounding region can use the findings in this study to identify critical issues related to childhood immunization in Armenia, as well as possible opportunities to respond to these.
OVERVIEW:
Childhood vaccination rates in Armenia are high. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that some health workers may advise against vaccination. The extent and reasons behind this are unknown. This study used the World Health Organization Tailoring Immunisation Programmes approach to investigate medical specialists’ vaccination practices.
Key Findings:
- Medical specialists were routinely consulted by parents about vaccination. They engaged in conversations, even if they did not administer vaccinations and lacked expertise.
- Vaccination recommendation was “selective”, influenced by their own vaccine hesitancy.
- Doctors administering vaccination used false contraindications to postpone vaccination.
- Multiple barriers and drivers to positive vaccination practices were evident, with differences between specialists administering/not administering vaccinations.