Influenza vaccination is the most effective method to prevent influenza virus infection and its potentially serious complications
Objective: To determine fac tors associated to parents willingness to accept the influenza vaccine for their children.
Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 297 volunteer parents/caregivers during 2011.
Results: Only 40% of the parents planne to have their children vaccinated agains influenza. Most subjects had medical insurance (52% government, 44% private, 4% no insurance). Factors associated to parents willingness to accept the vac cine were having the vaccine previously. thinking that the vaccine was safer this year. not knowing someone who had an influenza vaccine side effect and having a family member who had influenza.
Conclusion: The 40% planned vaccinatio rate lies below the 80% Healthy Peopl 2020 goal and seems to be unassociated to access to healthcare services. Establishing campaigns that reassure parents of vaccine safety could attain a higher vaccination rate.