Developing tailored immunization materials for concerned mothers

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to (i) identify 'Worried' and 'Fencesitter' mothers through the use of screening questions; (ii) obtain detailed information from participants about their attitudes and beliefs regarding vaccines and their interactions with their child's main health care provider, including availability of immunization information; (iii) solicit comments on draft educational materials that were developed specifically for this study and (iv) solicit comments on revised educational materials. Focus groups of mothers were conducted in two phases (Phase 1: n = 17 groups; Phase 2: n = 12 groups) and in three cities across the United States. Phase 1 focus group discussions suggested that perceived necessity and safety of vaccines contributed to mothers' attitudes about having their child receive immunizations. Participants relied on their children's main health care provider for immunization information; however, mothers often perceived that providers did not supply enough information about vaccinations. In Phase 2, comments on the revised educational materials (brochures) were generally positive, with many mothers noting that the new brochures provided more relevant information and conveyed it in a respectful way. Science-based tailored immunization materials may assist health care providers in addressing unique information needs and may improve vaccine acceptance among specific types of mothers.

What are the factors that contribute to parental vaccine-hesitancy and what can we do about it?

“…20 For VHPs, barriers to vaccination have been well described, 13,18,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] and most barriers are centered on concerns about vaccine safety. Surveys or interviews conducted with VHPs have found that VHPs are more likely to state that vaccines are not safe.…”

How to Communicate With Vaccine-Hesitant Parents

“…Although these items are no substitute for effective communication between concerned parents and HCPs, they help raise awareness of the consequences of refusing immunization, such as outbreaks with sometimes fatal outcomes of diseases such as pertussis, measles, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. 26,[50][51][52] It is fortunate that these outbreaks are not common in the context of high background immunization rates. In addition, research is ongoing to develop tailored immunization materials that may be helpful in improving immunization rates in certain groups of vaccine-hesitant parents.…”

“…In addition, research is ongoing to develop tailored immunization materials that may be helpful in improving immunization rates in certain groups of vaccine-hesitant parents. 52,53 …”

Attitudes and Beliefs of Parents Concerned About Vaccines: Impact of Timing of Immunization Information

“…4 Results of several studies have suggested that mothers do not feel they have sufficient information about immunization. [5][6][7] The traditional Vaccine Information Statements (VIS), which providers are required by law to provide to parents (National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986), have been criticized for their high reading level and for containing insufficient information. 8 Therefore, efforts have been made to evaluate additional informational materials to supplement VIS.…”