Haemophilus influenza type b disease and vaccination in India: knowledge, attitude and practices of paediatricians

Abstract

Background: Haemophilus influenza type b (‎Hib)‎ causes significant morbidity andmortality among young children in India. Hib vaccines are safe and efficacious;nevertheless, their introduction to India’s national immunization programme hasbeen hindered by resistance from certain sectors of academia and civil society. Weaimed to ascertain the attitudes and perceptions of Indian paediatricians towardsHib disease and vaccination.Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of knowledge, attitude andpractices on Hib and vaccines was undertaken among 1000 Indian paediatricianswho attended 49th National Conference of Indian Academy of Pediatrics in 2012through use of a 21‑point questionnaire.Results: 927 (‎93%)‎ paediatricians completed the survey. 643 (‎69%)‎ respondedthat Hib is a common disease in India. 788 (‎85%)‎ reported prescribing Hib vaccineto their patients and 453 (‎49%)‎ had done so for the past 5–15 years. Hib vaccinewas used in combination with other vaccines by 814 (‎88%)‎ of the participants.764 (‎82%)‎ respondents thought Hib vaccine effective while 750 (‎81%)‎ thought it tobe safe. Fever, pain and redness were the most frequently reported post vaccinationside‑effects. 445 (‎48%)‎ paediatricians ranked universal use of Hib vaccine in thenational immunization programme as the most important strategy to prevent andcontrol Hib disease in India.Conclusion: The excellent profile as reported by a large number of paediatriciansfrom throughout India further strengthens evidence to support expanded use ofcurrently available Hib vaccines. These findings should encourage the Governmentof India to initiate mass use of this vaccine nationwide.