Original research
A Canadian national survey of attitudes and knowledge regarding preventive vaccines
1 School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, Canada
2 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
3 Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4 Division of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada
5 Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Behavioural Science, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
6 Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
7 Division of Behavioural Health Sciences, Toronto General Research Institute/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
8 Department of Health Administration, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
9 Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
10 The Canadian Network for Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics (CANVAC), CANVAC Coordinating Centre, Toronto, Canada
11 Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
12 Clinical Epidemiology Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines 2003, 1:3 doi:10.1186/1476-8518-1-3
Published: 5 November 2003Abstract
Background
Vaccines have virtually eliminated many diseases, but public concerns about their safety could undermine future public health initiatives.
Objective
To determine Canadians' attitudes and knowledge about vaccines, particularly in view of increasing public concern about bioterrorism and the possible need for emergency immunizations after weaponized anthrax incidents and the events of September 11, 2001.
Method
A 20-question survey based on well-researched dimensions of vaccine responsiveness was telephone-administered to a random sample of N = 1330 adult Canadians in January, 2002.
Results
1057 (79.5%) completed the survey. Respondents perceived vaccines to be highly effective and demonstrated considerable support for further vaccine research. However, results also indicate a lack of knowledge about vaccines and uncertainty regarding the safety.
Conclusions
Support for vaccines is broad but shallow. While Canadians hold generally positive attitudes about vaccines, support could be undermined by widely publicized adverse events. Better public education is required to maintain support for future public health initiatives.
