VACCINE HESITANCY AND KNOWLEDGE OF INFANT'S CAREGIVER ON THE NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM

The vaccine hesitancy and knowledge of the infant’s caregivers on the National Immunization Program (NIP) has been studied to determine the level of their hesitancy and to know their knowledge regarding the NIP. It also aims to assess the relationship of the variables which may show the factors influencing their vaccine acceptance and refusal. A descriptive correlational research design was utilized to facilitate a comprehensive assessment about the hesitancy and knowledge of the caregivers. Additionally, the correlational design allows the researcher to determine the relations of the variables. The respondents were chosen using a Convenience Sampling based on their availability and willingness to participate to ensure that the study could be conducted efficiently on the Barangays of Rural Health Unit (RHU) I of City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The researchers used standardized questionnaires which comprised 30-items questions. The data were input on Microsoft Office Excel 365 and were analyzed by the statistician using the SPSS. In knowing the association between the vaccine hesitancy and demographic profile, a Chi-square test was used since the variables were organized using enumeration and they were categorical. The results show that the sex, gender, and employment status are not associated with one another but the religion and educational status are associated with the level of vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, a Pearson- Product moment correlation technique was used to describe the relation between the knowledge of the caregivers and the vaccine hesitancy. It was found out that the caregivers have a below average knowledge about vaccines.