Vaccine Knowledge of Saudi Parents and Adherence to Immunization Schedule in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Immunization is one of the best measures to limit the transition of infectious disease and disease severity. Despite that, vaccination programs are frequently affected by a delay in giving vaccines on time or ignorance and avoidance due to various reasons. Our study aimed to estimate the percentage of vaccination delay in our society and assess the level of parents' awareness about vaccine importance;finally, we will shed light on the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the immunization schedule. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia, from May 2022 to August 2022. Data were collected from parents using a structured questionnaire. Vaccinations were considered delayed if they occurred more than 30 days after the designated time. Parents residing outside Dawadmi or older than 65 years were excluded. Results: Among 393 respondents, the majority were mothers, aged between 30-50 years. Overall, 88% adhered to the immunization schedule. Major reasons for delay were forgetting the vaccination date, unavailability of vaccines, and being busy at work. In comparison to the delayed group, parents who adhered to the immunization schedule were aware about its importance. Conclusions: The majority of parents adhered to the immunization schedule. The most common reason was forgetting the vaccine date. Other reasons were the lack of vaccines in Primary Health Care. The commonly delayed vaccines were the 4 and 9-months vaccines. The pandemic affected adherence to vaccination schedules.