Parent preferences for pediatric influenza vaccine attributes

Influenza vaccine is available as an intramuscular injection or an intranasal spray for eligible children. This study was conducted to examine parents' preferences for influenza vaccine attributes and the attributes' relative importance regarding the vaccination of their children. A quantitative Web survey was administered to 500 parents of children aged 2 to 12 years. The survey included general preference questions and conjoint (trade-off) questions. Parents most frequently selected efficacy, risk of temporary side effects, and physician recommendation as important vaccine attributes from a provided list (92%, 75%, and 59%, respectively). For attributes selected as important, parents rated the importance of the attribute; the highest mean importance ratings were given to efficacy, presence of mercury-containing preservative, and physician recommendation.The highest relative importance ratings in the conjoint section were given to efficacy and presence of mercury-containing preservative. Parental education on influenza vaccine efficacy and safety may help to improve pediatric vaccination rates.