Abstract
In Austria, consent to receiving vaccines is regulated at the federal state level and in Tyrol, children aged 14 years are allowed to consent to receiving vaccination. In August 2017, we investigated determinants associated with vaccine hesitancy, having been vaccinated against measles and human papillomavirus (HPV) and the intention to vaccinate among schoolchildren born in 2002 and 2003. Those who consider measles and HPV a severe disease had a significantly higher intention to be vaccinated (prevalence ratio (PR) of 3.5 (95% CI 1.97–6.32) for measles and a PR of 3.2 (95% CI 1.62–6.35) for HPV). One-third of the participants (32.4%; 95% CI 27.8–37.4) were not aware that they are allowed to consent to receiving vaccines. The most common trusted source reported by respondents (n = 311) was the medical doctor (80.7%; 95% CI 75.7–84.7). The main finding related to the aim of the study was that the proportion of objectors is below 4% and therefore it should still be possible to reach measles elimination for which a 95% uptake is necessary. Although the proportion of objectors is not higher compared to adults, we recommend to intensify health education to increase health literacy.
Highlights
In 2019, vaccine hesitancy (VH) was stated as one of the ten key health threats by the World HealthOrganization (WHO) [1]
The majority of studies investigated VH among parents and health care providers [2,3,4], but little is known on the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of adolescents and young adults who will be future parents
In several Western European countries, the highest incidence of several vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) such as measles, mumps or pertussis was reported among adolescents [5]
Summary
In 2019, vaccine hesitancy (VH) was stated as one of the ten key health threats by the World HealthOrganization (WHO) [1]. In several Western European countries, the highest incidence of several vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) such as measles, mumps or pertussis was reported among adolescents [5]. In Austria, all childhood vaccinations are recommended including influenza and most of them free of charge until age B, tick-borne encephalitis, varicella and influenza vaccination) [6]. Health literacy is an important determinant of empowerment and decision-making including decisions about vaccinations. In a survey that assessed the level of health literacy in a population among several European countries, Austria had one of the lowest literacy indexes [7]. In Austria, educational curricula for schoolchildren neither include information on vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) nor on the safety and effectiveness of vaccination and its impact [8]. Youth protection laws are Vaccines 2020, 8, 610; doi:10.3390/vaccines8040610 www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
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