| Abstract [eng] |
Currently, there is a significant outbreak of immunization worldwide. However, coverage of vaccination of children is declining, even in developed countries. It is therefore important to analyse the situation in Lithuania and especially in regions where coverage of immunization is declining. Most of the parents who participated in the study yet choose to vaccinate their children with all state-reimbursed vaccines, and fear of side effects is identified as the most common reason for the decision not to vaccinate children. The study revealed an link between the refusal from being vaccinated with state-reimbursed vaccines and attendance of private kindergarten. Although parents have little knowledge about immunization, their attitude, however, remains favourable. The respondents have a welcoming opinion about the situation regarding the availability of immunization services. However, the gender, educational background of the respondents and the monthly income received by the family had a statistically significant effect on the knowledge of the persons who participated in the study about vaccination. And persons who refuse to vaccinate their children with state-reimbursed vaccines have poorer knowledge of and are characterized by inferior attitude towards immunization, and, in addition, they have worse opinion about availability of immunization services. |
