Haemophilus influenza type b disease and vaccination in India: knowledge, attitude and practices of paediatricians.
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Date
2013-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
Abstract
Background: Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) causes significant morbidity and
mortality among young children in India. Hib vaccines are safe and efficacious;
nevertheless, their introduction to India’s national immunization programme has
been hindered by resistance from certain sectors of academia and civil society. We
aimed to ascertain the attitudes and perceptions of Indian paediatricians towards
Hib disease and vaccination.
Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of knowledge, attitude and
practices on Hib and vaccines was undertaken among 1000 Indian paediatricians
who attended 49th National Conference of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in 2012
through use of a 21‑point questionnaire.
Results: 927 (93%) paediatricians completed the survey. 643 (69%) responded
that Hib is a common disease in India. 788 (85%) reported prescribing Hib vaccine
to their patients and 453 (49%) had done so for the past 5–15 years. Hib vaccine
was used in combination with other vaccines by 814 (88%) of the participants.
764 (82%) respondents thought Hib vaccine effective while 750 (81%) thought it to
be safe. Fever, pain and redness were the most frequently reported post vaccination
side‑effects. 445 (48%) paediatricians ranked universal use of Hib vaccine in the
national immunization programme as the most important strategy to prevent and
control Hib disease in India.
Conclusion: The excellent profile as reported by a large number of paediatricians
from throughout India further strengthens evidence to support expanded use of
currently available Hib vaccines. These findings should encourage the Government
of India to initiate mass use of this vaccine nationwide.
Description
Keywords
Hib vaccine, immunization, India, paediatricians
Citation
WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013;2(2): 101-105.