Knowledge and attitudes towards meningitis and vaccination: a survey of parents and health professionals in Ireland

Background and aims: In the past two decades vaccines against Hib, invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by serogroup C and some types of pneumococcal disease have dramatically reduced case numbers e.g. cases of IMD... [ view full abstract ]

Background and aims: In the past two decades vaccines against Hib, invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by serogroup C and some types of pneumococcal disease have dramatically reduced case numbers e.g. cases of IMD caused by serogroup C reduced from 135 in 1999 to just 1 in 2013. Nevertheless, meningitis has not ‘gone away’ and Ireland still has the highest rates of confirmed cases of IMD in Europe, now predominately caused by serogroup B. A vaccine uptake rate of ≥ 95% is needed to achieve herd immunity. However, following change to the immunisation schedule in 2008, uptake of vaccines due at 13 months fell to as low as 80% in some parts of Ireland. While there is some evidence of improved uptake rates there is a need to understand attitudes towards vaccination and knowledge about meningitis to inform health promotion initiatives.

Methodology: Telephone surveys were conducted with 350 parents with one or more child under the age of two years; and 150 GPs and practice nurses directly involved in vaccination.

Findings: Meningitis creates a high level of concern for parents and health professionals, yet some parents delayed vaccination schedule completion, leaving their child unprotected at a period when they are most at risk. In addition, over a third of parents mistakenly believed the current schedule protects their child against all forms of meningitis.

Conclusions: Recognition and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia has improved but prevention remains critical in reducing the disease burden. There is an ongoing need for tailored information about vaccination and meningitis at a national level. GPs and Public Health nurses remain the key people parents turn to for information. They will be critical in ensuring good uptake rates of immunisation and will also play a vital role in successfully introducing any changes to the current vaccination schedule.