A Canadian national survey of attitudes and knowledge regarding preventive vaccines

Paul Ritvo¹^,2^,3^,4^,5 , Jane Irvine¹^,2^,3^,6^,7 , Neil Klar²^,4 , Kumanan Wilson⁸ , Laura Brown⁵ , Karen E Bremner⁹ , Aline Rinfret¹⁰ , Robert Remis² and Murray D Krahn¹¹^,12

¹School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, Canada

²Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

³Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

⁴Division of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada

⁵Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Behavioural Science, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

⁶Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada

⁷Division of Behavioural Health Sciences, Toronto General Research Institute/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

⁸Department of Health Administration, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

⁹Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

¹⁰The Canadian Network for Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics (CANVAC), CANVAC Coordinating Centre, Toronto, Canada

¹¹Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

¹²Clinical Epidemiology Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

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Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines 2003, 1:3doi:10.1186/1476-8518-1-3


Published:	5 November 2003

Abstract

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.