“Nature Does Things Well, Why Should We Interfere?”

Abstract

Parents' decision to use vaccination services is complex and multi-factorial. Of particular interest are "vaccine-hesitant" parents who are in the middle of the continuum between vaccine acceptance and refusal. The objective of this qualitative longitudinal study was to better understand why mothers choose to vaccinate-or not-their newborns. Fifty-six pregnant mothers living in different areas of Quebec (Canada) were interviewed. These interviews gathered information on mothers' views about health and vaccination. Almost half of the mothers were categorized as vaccine-hesitant. A second interview was conducted with these mothers 3 to 11 months after birth to look at their actual decision and behavior concerning vaccination. Our results show the heterogeneity of factors influencing vaccine decision making. Although the majority of vaccine-hesitant mothers finally chose to follow the recommended vaccine schedule for their child, they were still ambivalent and they continued to question their decision.

Parents' and informal caregivers' views and experiences of communication about routine childhood vaccination: a synthesis of qualitative evidence

“…Some studies reported that parents wanted information about vaccination to be communicated well in advance of the vaccination appointment (Evans 2001; McMurray 2004; Shui 2005; Fowler 2007; Saada 2015; Dube 2016), and some wanted to receive information multiple times before the appointment (Shui 2005; Fowler 2007). They felt that if this was the case they would have time to review and reflect on the content and prepare any questions they might want to ask during the vaccination session (Evans 2001; McMurray 2004; Shui 2005).…”

“…Parents also wanted information to be communicated in advance about new vaccines that were introduced into the vaccination programme. When they received this information at the time of the appointment they felt overwhelmed and sometimes decided against vaccination (Dube 2016). …”

“…As well, I didn't know that this new vaccine had come out, and they presented it to us right at the moment of vaccination and we had to make a decision immediately [laughs]. So that's why, without much time to think about it and the fact that I was uncomfortable, I decided not to have him vaccinated" (Dube 2016). …”

“…Some parents felt that finding impartial and balanced information sources was problematic for a number of reasons (Bond 1998; Guillaume 2004; McMurray 2004; Hilton 2007; Tickner 2007; Austin 2008; Gust 2008; Miller 2008; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Brown 2012; Harmsen 2012; Hussain 2012; Dube 2016). Some parents expressed a belief that the government or healthcare providers were withholding information about vaccination and that they were only being told about the benefits (Guillaume 2004; Hilton 2007; Tickner 2007; Miller 2008; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Brown 2012; Dube 2016).…”

Ethics and Childhood Vaccination Policy in the United States

“…52 Their reasons vary, however, with some believing that vaccines will harm and not help or that vaccination is "unnatural" and "natural" immunity is preferable. 53 Others believe that they will enjoy herd immunity without subjecting their child to the risk of vaccinating (free-riding). 28 Still others may cite various nonmedical objections, ranging from the seemingly justifiable (e.g., that there is no need to vaccinate one's children for eliminated illnesses) to conspiracy theories (e.g., that a government entity could be conducting intelligencegathering operations under the auspices of a vaccination program).…”