Vaccine hesitancy and emerging parental norms: A qualitative study in Taiwan

This article reports a qualitative study on vaccine hesitancy in Taiwan. Based on its findings, this research illuminates the close relationships between expanding vaccine hesitancy and current parental norms. It answers the following questions: how do parents understand their roles and responsibilities regarding childhood vaccination under new parental norms? How do new parental norms interweave with other social contexts to shape parental practices of childhood vaccination? This research collected data from March 2018 to July 2020. This research observed lectures and activities concerning childhood vaccination organised by parental groups and interviewed 24 parents and three CDC professionals. Results show that 'uniqueness of every child', 'informed decision-making' and 'intensive parenthood' are three essential elements in contemporary parental norms that significantly influence parents' experiences regarding childhood vaccination. Under the norms, parents perceive their responsibility to inform themselves and make decisions most suitable for their children. Results also highlight the tension when health authorities failed to recognise new parental roles in childhood vaccination. The current lack of communication on childhood vaccination causes parents' anxiety even among those who comply with vaccination policy. Health authorities and professionals should pay attention to new parental norms affecting people's childhood vaccination practices and develop suitable communication strategies.