Information about vaccination in public libraries: results of a catalogue search of the London Libraries Consortium

Abstract

BackgroundThe role of the internet in propagating anti-vaccine information is well researched. However, there remains little information about vaccination resources available in public libraries. We undertook an electronic review of vaccination information in London libraries to ascertain the extent to which they contain messages that undermine the National Health Service (NHS) childhood vaccination schedule. MethodsA serial keyword search of The London Libraries Consortium (an electronic catalogue for public libraries across 17 boroughs of London) was performed on March 12, 2015. All searchable print media with a title or description containing “vaccination”, “vaccine”, “immunisation”, or “MMR” were included (eg, books, newspapers, posters, leaflets, and eBooks). No language restrictions were specified. We manually selected search results to identify publications that met criteria for relevance as a vaccine information resource and availability (more than two copies of a title in the whole consortium). Content analysis was performed by reading individual titles, which were deemed to be anti-vaccination if they contained at least one message that supported omission or delay of childhood vaccinations as a potentially valid choice. Findings105 copies of publications (11 unique titles, appendix) were identified that met criteria for relevance and availability out of 118 copies identified in the record search. A single copy of an information booklet on vaccination produced by Public Health England was excluded from the analysis because of its restricted availability. 60% of these publications (n=63, four unique titles) contained messages that countenanced either delaying or omitting vaccination. 40% of publications (n=42, seven unique titles) contained no anti-vaccine messages. InterpretationBooks that are commonly available to parents on vaccination in the London Libraries Consortium promote messages that seem to discredit the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. Provision of educational resources for dissemination across UK public libraries is urgently needed to give parents clear unbiased information about the benefits and risks of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. FundingNone.