Invasive meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection preventable through vaccination. Pediatric vaccination rates have declined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This survey aimed to understand how parents' attitudes and behaviors have changed during the pandemic with regard to immunization and, more specifically, meningococcal vaccination. An online survey was emailed to parents of eligible children 0-4 years, following the selection process from UK, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia; and of adolescents 11-18 years from US. Data collection took place 19 January-16 February 2021. Quotas were set to ensure a representative sample. Eleven questions relating to general perceptions around vaccination and attitudes and behaviors toward meningitis vaccination were displayed. On 4,962 parents (average 35 years) participating in the survey, most (83%) believed important for their child to continue receiving recommended vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of routine vaccine appointments were delayed or canceled due to the pandemic, and 61% of respondents were likely to have their children catch up once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. 30% of meningitidis vaccination appointments were canceled or delayed during the pandemic, and 21% of parents did not intend to reschedule them because of lockdown/stay at home regulations, and fear of catching COVID-19 in public places. It is crucial to communicate clear instructions to health workers and the general population and to provide appropriate safety precautions in vaccination centers. This will help to maintain vaccination rates and limit infections to prevent future outbreaks.
Keywords: COVID-19; invasive meningococcal disease; meningitis; pediatric; survey; vaccination.
What is the context? Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an uncommon infection that can lead to permanent disabilities and even death.Meningitis vaccination can prevent IMDs caused by Neisseria meningitidis.Vaccination rates have declined during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.What is new? We collected opinion of parents from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and the US, to understand their attitudes and behaviors toward meningitis vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results were reviewed by health care professional experts as well as by patient authors (IMD survivors).Most (83%) of the 4,962 parents believed that it is important for their child to continue receiving recommended vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.Half of the scheduled appointments for meningitis vaccination were canceled or delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to lockdown regulations and fear of catching COVID-19.Twenty-one percent of the parents who had their child’s meningitis vaccination appointment canceled, did not intend to reschedule it.What is the impact? It is crucial that clear information is communicated by health care authorities and practitioners about the availability of vaccination during pandemic and the safety precautions that are taken.Collected opinions emphasize the importance of continuing vaccinations against infectious diseases during a pandemic.