Background:

Vaccines are effective tools in preventing many deadly childhood diseases. Recently, large outbreaks of preventable diseases have been observed worldwide. This resurgence was linked among other causes to the falling of vaccination rates. A growing number of parents are expressing concerns regarding childhood vaccination and are refusing to vaccinate their children.

Purpose and Aim:

In order to quantify the refusal rate of vaccination and to understand the factors linked to the choice of vaccination, we aim to study the knowledge and attitude towards childhood vaccination among Lebanese parents and its ultimate effect on the vaccination practice.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey will be used after developing a questionnaire based on previously published and validated ones addressing knowledge, attitude and practice of vaccination. After securing appropriate authorizations, the anonymous questionnaire will be distributed in private and public schools in Beirut to be filled by willing parents of children aged 3-18 years during the current school year (October 2016 to May 2017).