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1: J Immune Based Ther Vaccines. 2003 Nov 5;1(1):3.Click here to read Click here to read Links

A Canadian national survey of attitudes and knowledge regarding preventive vaccines.

Ritvo P, Irvine J, Klar N, Wilson K, Brown L, Bremner KE, Rinfret A, Remis R, Krahn MD.

School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, Canada. paul.ritvo@utoronto.ca

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.

PMID: 14613575 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

PMCID: PMC280696

Patient Drug Information

  • Anthrax Vaccine (Biothrax® )

    Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is caused by bacteria calledBacillus anthracis. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. In its most common...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information