Pediatricians' Attitudes Toward Meningococcal Vaccination in the Republic of Buryatia

To prevent the death of children from meningococcal infection, it is extremely important for doctors to be committed and knowledgeable about the epidemiology and available prevention options. Objective: To assess the commitment of pediatricians to vaccination against meningococcal infection. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was administered to pediatricians to assess their knowledge about the serotype landscape of N. meningitidis in the region, the level of N. meningitidis carriage, and the composition of vaccines for the prevention of meningococcal infection. Results: 83% of doctors consider it necessary to inform parents of children about the danger of meningococcal infection and vaccination. 69% of pediatricians do not know about the serotype landscape of N. meningitidis in the region, 50% of doctors could not correctly list the composition of vaccines with the inclusion of serotypes used for the prevention of meningococcal infection; only 28% correctly indicated the vaccines recommended from 6 weeks of age. Conclusion: The study results demonstrate the existing serious gaps in terms of sufficient commitment by primary healthcare providers and achieving coverage of the pediatric population in the region with meningococcal vaccination, as well as providing accessible information to parents about available options for preventing meningococcal infection.

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