The acceptability of three vaccine injections given to infants during a single clinic visit in South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorTabana, Hananien_ZA
dc.contributor.authorDudley, Lilianen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorKnight, Stephenen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorCameron, Neilen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorMahomed, Hassanen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorGoliath, Charlynen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorEggers, Rudolfen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorWiysonge, Charles S.en_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2016-09-06T09:49:40Z
dc.date.available2016-09-06T09:49:40Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.descriptionCITATION: Tabana, H., et al. 2016. The acceptability of three vaccine injections given to infants during a single clinic visit in South Africa. BMC Public Health, 6:749, doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3324-2.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
dc.descriptionPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
dc.description.abstractENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has increased the number of antigens and injections administered at one visit. There are concerns that more injections at a single immunisation visit could decrease vaccination coverage. We assessed the acceptability and acceptance of three vaccine injections at a single immunisation visit by caregivers and vaccinators in South Africa. Methods: A mixed methods exploratory study of caregivers and vaccinators at clinics in two provinces of South Africa was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires as well as observations of the administration of three-injection vaccination sessions. Results: The sample comprised 229 caregivers and 98 vaccinators. Caregivers were satisfied with the vaccinators’ care (97 %) and their infants receiving immunisation injections (93 %). However, many caregivers, (86 %) also felt that three or more injections were excessive at one visit. Caregivers had limited knowledge of actual vaccines provided, and reasons for three injections. Although vaccinators recognised the importance of informing caregivers about vaccination, they only did this sometimes. Overall, acceptance of three injections was high, with 97 % of caregivers expressing willingness to bring their infant for three injections again in future visits despite concerns about the pain and discomfort that the infant experienced. Many (55 %) vaccinators expressed concern about giving three injections in one immunisation visit. However, in 122 (95 %) observed three-injection vaccination sessions, the vaccinators administered all required vaccinations for that visit. The remaining seven vaccinations were not completed because of vaccine stock-outs. Conclusions: We found high acceptance by caregivers and vaccinators of three injections. Caregivers’ poor understanding of reasons for three injections resulted from limited information sharing by vaccinators for caregivers. Acceptability of three injections may be improved through enhanced vaccinator-caregiver communication, and improved management of infants’ pain. Vaccinator training should include evidence-informed ways of communicating with caregivers and reducing injection pain. Strategies to improve acceptance and acceptability of three injections should be rigorously evaluated as part of EPI’s expansion in resource-limited countries.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttp://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-3324-2
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent10 pages
dc.identifier.citationTabana, H., et al. 2016. The acceptability of three vaccine injections given to infants during a single clinic visit in South Africa. BMC Public Health, 6:749, doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3324-2
dc.identifier.issn1471-2458 (online)
dc.identifier.issn1471-2458 (print)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.1186/s12889-016-3324-2
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/99571
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherBioMed Central
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectExpanded Programme on Immunisation in South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectImmunization of infants -- Research -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectVaccines -- Administration -- Researchen_ZA
dc.titleThe acceptability of three vaccine injections given to infants during a single clinic visit in South Africaen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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