Abstract

Background & Objectives: Nurses play an important role in delivering and advocating for vaccines in the healthcare system. Our goal was to assess the nurses’ knowledge of vaccine administration, their immunization practice, knowledge of precautions and contraindications to vaccines, and practices towards them in primary health centers in Bahrain.

Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. All nurses practicing in the primary health centers in Bahrain were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire contained several statements regarding general knowledge and practice of vaccines administration and contraindications. Written consent obtained from all participants prior to study.

Results: Overall knowledge of vaccine administration, practice of immunization and practice towards precautions and contraindications to vaccines were satisfactory. Although, certain areas of gaps exist. The least satisfactory result was observed in the knowledge of vaccine precautions and contraindications.

Conclusion: Our study showed good immunization practice in Bahrain. However, there is a need for improvement in the area of knowledge regarding precautions and contraindications of vaccines.

Keywords: Bahrain, Knowledge, Immunization, Primary health care, Nurses