Study Evaluates Parents’ Reluctance to Vaccinate Asthmatic Kids Says Study
Concern over vaccine safety is one of the primary factors preventing parents from having their asthmatic children vaccinated for influenza, or flu, according to Michigan researchers. Parents who do not vaccinate their children are also less likely to view flu as a“trigger” for their child’s asthma, the researchers noted.
The study was presented at the ATS 2011 International Conference in Denver.
“When school starts in the fall, and during the winter season, many parents start dreading the cold and flu season,” said lead author Toby Lewis, MD, MPH, assistant professor of pediatric
pulmonology at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. “This is particularly true for parents of children with asthma, who recognize that ‘a little cold’ can quickly trigger an asthma
attack. Fortunately, there is something that can be done to reduce the chances of getting sick from influenza, one of the common winter viruses, and that is getting a vaccination to help
prevent this infection. “
Influenza vaccination is recommended for all children, but especially for children with asthma to
help prevent asthma exacerbations or ‘flares,’” Dr. Lewis added.“Despite this recommendation,
vaccination rates remain low. The reasons for under-immunization are poorly understood.”
To determine parental attitudes toward the flu vaccine, and learn the reasons why some parents
do not have their asthmatic children vaccinated, the researchers conducted a national survey from
August 13 – Sept 7, 2010 of 1,621 parents; 237 parents indicated at least one child had asthma
and were included in the final compilation of data.
“The parents included in the study were ethnically diverse and were from a broad spectrum of
economic backgrounds,” Dr. Lewis noted.
Of those surveyed, 70 percent reported that they vaccinated their child against seasonal or H1N1
influenza during the prior winter season (2009-2010), and 65 percentstated that they planned to
have their child vaccinated against influenza in the upcoming season (2010-2011), indicating
consistency in vaccination behavior. The study also found that parents who did not vaccinate
their asthmatic children against influenza were less likely than those that did vaccinate indicate
that getting a viral infection was a “very important” trigger of their child’s asthma (53 percent vs.
72 percent), and were more likely to be concerned about vaccine side effects (60 percent vs. 26
percent) and getting sick from the vaccine itself (41 percent vs. 13 percent).
“Not surprisingly, parents who felt that their children were likely to experience an asthma attack
when they got a respiratory infection were more likely to get their child vaccinated,” Dr. Lewis
said. “Worries about potential side effects of the vaccine emerged as an important factor for
families who did not have their child vaccinated. The group as a whole indicated that their
physician was an important source of health information for their family – suggesting that
physicians may have an opportunity to advise families about this important preventative
measure.”
The survey also identified exposures in addition to colds and flu that parents believe are most
likely to trigger asthma attacks, including:
• exposure to smokers (73 percent);
• exposure to outdoor allergens such as pollen and weeds (81 percent);
• outdoor air quality/pollution levels (77 percent);
• exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites and cockroaches (71 percent)
• contact with furry or hairy animals (48 percent); and,
• food(30 percent).
Dr. Lewis noted that the study provides helpful insight into the way families of children with
asthma view influenza infection and the influenza vaccine.
“The results will help physicians, public health professionals and health educators tailor
messages most effectively to this group of families,” she said.“We will continue to analyze our
current survey results to better understand parent attitudes, and hope to work with colleagues to
develop educational messages specifically designed for parents who have previously opted out of
vaccinating their children against influenza – for instance, highlighting stories from parents of
children with asthma who did get their child vaccinated to help show a positive experience with
influenza vaccination.”
This study was funded by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health
Pediatric Faculty Participation Program, through the generosity of the University of Michigan
Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases.
“Parental Attitudes Associated With Vaccinating Asthmatic Children Against Influenza In A
National Poll On Children’s Health” (Session B101, Monday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.,
Room 503-504 (Street Level), Colorado Convention Center; Abstract 17569)
* Please note that numbers in this release may differ slightly from those in the abstract. Many of
these investigations are ongoing; the release represents the most up-to-date data available at
press time.