Predictors of MMR Vaccine Uptake during the UK Catch-Up Campaign
Author Information
Author(s): Katrina Brown, Graham Fraser, Mary Ramsay, Ruth Shanley, Noel Cowley, Johan van Wijgerden, Penelope Toff, Michelle Falconer, Michael Hudson, John Green, J. Simon Kroll, Charles Vincent, Nick Sevdalis
Primary Institution: Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Demographics and attitudes may be central to understanding predictors of MMR vaccine uptake during catch-up campaigns.
Conclusion
Catch-up MMR invitations may effectively move children from 0 to 1 MMR doses, while attitudinal interventions highlighting social benefits may effectively move children from 1 to 2 MMR doses.
Supporting Evidence
- Perceived social desirability/benefit of MMR uptake was a significant predictor of catch-up MMR uptake.
- Younger child age was associated with higher MMR uptake.
- Receipt of catch-up invitation predicted uptake only in the unimmunised group.
- Attitudes and demographics explained 28% of MMR uptake in the unimmunised group.
- Catch-up MMR uptake differed significantly between unimmunised and partially immunised children.
Takeaway
The study looked at why some parents choose to get their kids vaccinated with the MMR vaccine during a special campaign, finding that social attitudes and invitations play a big role.
Methodology
Cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire with objective behavioural outcome.
Potential Biases
Parent report of receipt of MMR invitation may be subject to recall bias.
Limitations
The modest response rate may have compromised the generalisability of the sample to the wider population.
Participant Demographics
Parents of children aged 5–18 years with less than 2 MMR doses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.09–2.87
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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