Assessing Parental Awareness of Childhood Vaccination Myths and Facts in Himachal Pradesh
Background: Childhood vaccinations are among the most effective public health strategies to prevent infectious diseases, yet misconceptions and myths regarding vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity remain pervasive. In Himachal Pradesh, where access to reliable healthcare information can be limited, such myths contribute to vaccine hesitancy among parents, potentially compromising individual and community immunity.Materials& Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated parental awareness of childhood vaccination myths and facts among 400 participants in Himachal Pradesh. Data collection spanned three months, from August to October 2024, and was conducted through an online structured questionnaire that included demographic information and 20 questions assessing knowledge of vaccine safety, efficacy, immunization schedules, and common myths. Each correct response scored one point, categorizing participants into Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor knowledge levels. Data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 software to compute frequencies, percentages, and socio-demographic correlations. Results: The study revealed varying levels of knowledge on vaccination myths and facts. While 66% of respondents correctly identified the primary purpose of vaccines as disease prevention, only 58% recognized their general safety aside from mild side effects, and 62.5% refuted the myth that vaccines cause autism. Awareness of vaccine efficacy was high (70%), yet only 53% of respondents understood that vaccines contain safe, monitored ingredients. Knowledge scores indicated that 26% of participants demonstrated "Very Good" knowledge, 35% "Good," 26% "Fair," and 13% "Poor," highlighting areas needing targeted educational efforts. Conclusion: The study underscores substantial knowledge gaps and misconceptions about vaccines among parents in Himachal Pradesh, particularly around vaccine safety, ingredients, and immunization protocols. Targeted public health initiatives focusing on debunking common myths and promoting the safety and efficacy of vaccines could significantly reduce vaccine hesitancy, leading to improved child health outcomes. By addressing these knowledge gaps with evidence-based information, public health efforts can build a stronger foundation of trust in immunization programs, thereby enhancing community resilience against preventable diseases.