Utilization and impact of European immunization week to increase measles, mumps, rubella vaccine uptake in Austria in 2016

Abstract

This paper describes engagement in European Immunization Week (EIW) in Tyrol, Austria in April 2016 and an assessment of its possible impact on demand for measles, mumps, rubella vaccination (MMR). It further describes the output of a knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) survey conducted during EIW, showing that 93% (188/202) of respondents were in favor of vaccination in general and 90% (192/214) perceived MMR vaccination to be important. MMR vaccination was perceived as important by more participants than other vaccinations. The number of MMR doses administered by public health services in the province of Tyrol during EIW was greater than in the previous week, and EIW activities thus potentially resulted in increased MMR vaccine uptake in Tyrol during the observed period. The annual EIW campaign provides important opportunities to address vaccine hesitancy by raising awareness about immunization, to identify barriers to immunization and test possible solutions.

Keywords: Disease elimination; European immunization; Measles; Vaccination; Vaccine hesitancy; Week.