Impact of Media on Parents' Acceptance of Immunization

Introduction

Taking immunization for children is under the decision of parents, which makes it crucial for them to have knowledge and practices towards vaccination. Vaccination is used as a health tool to prevent children from infectious diseases, including some potentially life-threatening diseases. Immunization has been saving the lives of children for decades, thanks to successful programs that have been implemented in various places. Its coverage has expanded to increase the number of beneficiary children.

Historical Context of Immunization

Immunization is the process of preventing infectious diseases through vaccination. It was carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) during the years 1967-1977. Vaccines were introduced to prevent diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, which is why children should be fully immunized. It is highly recommended to be immunized in order to save lives from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Annual vaccination has been effective in reducing the number of illnesses among children aged 6 to 18 years old. In the Wonago district of South Ethiopia, the completion of immunization for children is very beneficial for mothers and children in terms of health.

Challenges in Immunization Acceptance

In Southeast Nigeria, the acceptance of immunization by parents is still a problem for health facilities. It is believed that parents are not assured due to doubts about the effectiveness of immunization, coupled with their poor knowledge about vaccination, which affects their decision to immunize their children. Similarly, there are still unvaccinated children in Iraq because of parental decisions against immunization, where demographic concerns affect decision-making (Al-Lela, 2014). Addressing these challenges requires targeted educational programs to improve parental understanding and acceptance of vaccines.

Impact of Media on Parents' Acceptance of Immunization

The present generation is exposed to technology, which some public health sectors take advantage of (Keelan, 2011). Social media platforms allow content to be posted and seen by users, serving as broadcasting media that collaborate and co-create content with the audience, who can also provide feedback or comments (Sharma, 2017). Broadcast media significantly influence parents' decision-making towards vaccination, with 95% reporting that media sources affect both parents' decisions. A survey conducted at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, with parents aged 18 and above, found that they were influenced by the media sources around them.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of media in shaping parental attitudes towards vaccination is crucial. By leveraging media platforms effectively, public health campaigns can better reach and educate parents, thereby increasing immunization rates. Addressing misinformation and improving access to reliable information can empower parents to make informed decisions, ultimately safeguarding children's health and contributing to the eradication of preventable diseases.

References

• Al-Lela, O. Q. B. (2014). The role of demographic factors in parents' decisions about immunization. Journal of Health Communication, 19(3), 123-131.
• Keelan, J. (2011). The impact of social media on public health. Public Health Reviews, 33(2), 577-596.
• Sharma, M. (2017). Social media: A tool for global health communication. Journal of Health Informatics, 9(4), 245-256.