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Published on: May 19, 2020
Parental vaccine safety concerns in 2009
Gary L Freed1, Sarah J Clark, Amy T Butchart
1Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, 300 North Ingalls Building 6E08, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0456, USA. gfreed@med.umich.edu
Pediatrics
|March 3, 2010
Summary
Many parents believe vaccines protect children but have safety concerns, leading 11.5% to refuse recommended vaccines. Information on vaccine safety needs to reach parents more effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Parental vaccine hesitancy impacts childhood immunization rates.
- Concerns about vaccine safety are a significant factor in vaccine refusal.
- Understanding parental concerns is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of parental vaccine refusal.
- To identify specific vaccine safety concerns among parents.
- To explore demographic factors associated with vaccine refusal and concerns.
Main Methods:
- A nationally representative online survey of 2521 parents of children aged <=17 years.
- Data collected in January 2009.
- Outcome measures included parental opinions on vaccine safety and history of vaccine refusal.
Main Results:
- 11.5% of parents reported refusing at least one recommended vaccine.
- Over half of parents expressed concerns about serious adverse effects.
- Women and Hispanic parents showed higher rates of vaccine safety concerns and refusal, with Hispanic parents also expressing more trust in doctors' recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Despite believing in vaccine benefits, parents harbor significant concerns about potential adverse effects, particularly with newer vaccines.
- Current vaccine safety information may not be effectively reaching or convincing parents.
- Targeted communication strategies are needed to address parental vaccine safety concerns.
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