Influences on Immunization Decision-Making among US Parents of Young Children

Abstract

Objectives This study assessed influences on vaccination decisions among parents of young children and examined common vaccination information and advice sources. Methods Using panel samples of parents of children under 7 years, web-based surveys were conducted in 2012 (n = 2603) and 2014 (n = 2518). A vaccine decision-making typology (non-hesitant acceptors, hesitant acceptors, delayers, and refusers) was established and weighted population estimates of potential factors influencing parental vaccination decision (e.g., provider influence, source of information and advice) were computed by year and decision type. Results Delayers and refusers were more likely than acceptors to know someone whose child experienced a severe reaction to a vaccine or delayed/refused vaccine(s). High proportions of delayers (2012: 33.4%, 2014: 33.9%) and refusers (2012: 49.6%, 2014: 58.6%) reported selecting their healthcare provider based on whether the provider would allow them to delay/refuse vaccines. Providers were the most frequently reported trusted vaccine information source among all parents, though more often by acceptors than refusers (2012, 2014: p < 0.01). We found differing patterns of provider advice-seeking and internet as a reliable vaccine information source by group. Among those who had considered delay/refusal, trust in their healthcare provider’s advice was the most common reason cited for their decision reversal. Conclusions for Practice Provider trust and communication along with varying degrees of personal-network influences likely contribute to immunization decisions of parents. Vaccine hesitant parents often seek providers amenable to accommodating their vaccine beliefs. Providers may benefit from vaccine communication training as their recommendations may influence hesitant parents to immunize their children.

‘I Think I Made The Right Decision … I Hope I'm Not Wrong’. Vaccine hesitancy, commitment and trust among parents of young children

“…Although our findings may seem quite specific to the French context, where parents can choose their child's physician, patients’ propensity to choose a physician who share their views regarding vaccination has also been observed in a US study (Chung et al . ).…”

Investigating Italian parents' vaccine hesitancy: A cross-sectional survey

“…In other studies conducted in several countries, a lower proportions of parents who delayed or refused an immunization has been observed with values ranging beetween 2% and 7.9%. 19,21,[29][30][31] These findings are worrying as they negatively affect the coverage rate and suggest the need for the vaccination services to reinforce the belief strategies towards parents. It is important, to significantly decrease the burden of the childhood diseases that can be prevented by vaccines, to understand the reasons why parents are not vaccinating their children in order to implement adequate and communication program accordingly.…”

Characterizing the vaccine knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of pregnant women in Georgia and Colorado

“…[19][20][21][22] The first pregnancy may be a "teachable moment"a key opportunity to provide accurate information about both maternal and infant vaccinationssince one's vaccine attitudes and beliefs may not yet be fully solidified. 4,23,24 The vast majority of parents 25,26 and pregnant women [10][11][12][13][14][15] cite health-care providers as their most trusted source of vaccine information. However, many pregnant women do not receive information about infant vaccines directly from their obstetrician or midwife, instead relying on their social networks and internet searches.…”