Understanding the reasons for refusal of polio vaccine by families in Quetta Block, Pakistan

Background: Global polio eradication is a goal yet to be achieved in countries like Pakistan. In recent years, the Polio Eradication Initiative has been making steady progress with good campaign coverage and low numbers of polio cases. However, in 2019 Pakistan reported 146 cases compared to 12 in 2018. A major factor cited for this regression was a surge in vaccine refusals by parents and caretakers. Aims: To assess the reasons for the refusal of polio vaccination in Quetta Block, Balochistan. Methods: The study was conducted using data acquired from 2 polio vaccination campaigns over 3 months in 2019. The data were collected in Quetta Block, a highly endemic zone having continuous transmission of the polio virus over several years. The data were analysed using the statistical software, SPSS, version 20. We used descriptive statistics to demonstrate the characteristics of the study population. Categorical variables were measured as frequencies and percentages. Results: Refusal rates were almost 8.6% for the polio campaign of April and 8.1% for June 2019. Misconceptions about vaccines made up 56.4% of reasons for refusals, followed by religion 16%. Conclusion: Misconceptions about the vaccine are the main driving force behind vaccine refusals in the study setting. Efficient strategies are required to address misconceptions in this red zone of poliovirus transmission in Balochistan.