Access to Basic Vaccines among Children of Migrants in Mueng District, Chiangmai

Abstract

Objective: To study the factors in accessing basic vaccines for children of migrants in Mueang District, Chiang Mai. Methods: This research was a qualitative study by conducting interviews with informants who were parents of migrant children under 12 years of age. Informants were selected using convenient sampling and snowball sampling from those who understood and communicated in Thai. Two researchers took notes together with audio recordings, and transcribed the interview. Then, the researchers triangulated the data with health insurance documents or the information obtained from the inquiry of people closed to the informants and public health officials in the area. Subsequently, the researchers independently analyzed the data using thematic analysis, and categorized to positive, neutral, or negative attitudes towards children's access to basic vaccines. Results: The informants were 11 Burmese fathers or mother of children born in Thailand. All were legally employed in Thailand, understand Thai health system and could complete document for health claim of themselves and their children. Employers and people around them provided advice on the right to medical care. The staff at the hospital were friendly and gave advice on immunizations for children. Convenient transportation enabled them to get all vaccination as appointed. They could pay extra-money for vaccines. Conclusions: Even though, there is no obvious vaccine policy for migrant children, their parents living in Mueang district, Chiang Mai intended on vaccinating their children and were able to access basic vaccines. This was due to their good attitude towards vaccination and understanding of the health insurance system. They complied with reference groups, i.e., employers and those close to them with regards to vaccination rights. They had access to services in terms of rights, travel and expenses