| Summary: | Objective: Immunization is one of the most important public health interventions. However, vaccine hesitancy has increased in the last few years. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of families regarding immunization of 12-60-month-old children. Material and Methods: The data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire based on the literature review. A total of 218 families with children aged 12-60 months who visited the general pediatrics outpatient unit for various reasons constituted the study population. Results: Of all the families, 87.6% considered vaccines to be necessary for their children. Among all families, 99.1% reported that their children were vaccinated and 96.3% stated that their children were fully immunized. Most of the parents (%97.7) said that being immunized protects their children’s health. Hygiene (39.9%) was reported as the most common way to protect against contagious disease. Of all families, 62.8% knew at least two vaccines in the national program, 3.2% knew the vaccines that are not in the program, and 51.4% knew the vaccine-preventable diseases. Of all families, 29.4% mentioned measles as a vaccine-preventable disease. 74.1% knew at least two vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines. As maternal education level increased, knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases also increased. Only 44.5% of families reported the name of the first vaccine applied at birth. 40.8% of families stated that immunization was completed at age 2. 29.8% of families vaccinated their children using vaccines that they had to pay for; 80.3% of families stated that they will vaccinate their children if they were informed about the need. Maternal educational level, maternal employment status, and being informed increased implementation of vaccines not in the national program. 86.7% of families reported that they consider doctors’ suggestions about vaccination. Conclusions: Families have a lack of knowledge regarding vaccines; maternal educational level, maternal employment status, and being informed increased vaccination rates of vaccines not in the national program.
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