Vaccination decision-making in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities- it's a matter of trust

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are among the most disadvantaged population groups in receiving timely and appropriate access to health and preventative health care such as vaccinations. Little is known about how parents understand, experience, and strategize when deciding whether to vaccinate children. Our qualitative study involved four focus groups and two individual semi-structured interviews. Results were analyzed through thematic analysis. We integrated two main themes: (1) Parents weighed the same vaccination considerations for children with IDD and their siblings; (2) The health system played a key role in parents' vaccination decision-making process for children with IDD. Our research demonstrates that parents who gain trust in the health system will decide to vaccinate all their children, not only those with IDD. These parents need additional information and advice, easier access to vaccine services, and additional information and explanation to build a trusting relationship with the health system.