BACKGROUND:
In Hawaii, the immunization rate for children ages 19-35 months dropped significantly over a 3-year period. In fact, between 1999-2001, there was an 8.8% drop in coverage for the 4:3:1:3:3 (4 DTaP, 3 IPV, 1 MMR, 3 HIB, 3 HBV) series in this age group.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study is to explore the worries to immunizations in parents whose children are not fully immunized (Completion of 4:3:1:3:3) by 24 months of age.

METHOD:
This qualitative study used a single category design focus groups sessions. Purposeful sampling was used to choose parents of 24-59 month old children who are not fully immunized. Transcript based analysis using unabridged transcripts of the focus groups were the basis of analysis. Session tapes were transcribed and content analysis was accomplished using the qualitative software.

RESULT:
Thirteen focus groups were conducted with a total of 64 parents, guardians or foster parents. The mean age of the sample was 33.2 (SD 8.5) and mean number of children in the family was 2.75 (SD 1.5). Four categories of worries emerged: reactions, vaccines, anxiety/fears, no worries.

CONCLUSION:
Although immunizations are routine for some parents and health care providers, many parents worry about the shots their children receive. Health care providers and public health officials need to develop strategies to minimize parental immunization worries.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify at least 4 worries parents have about childhood immunizations.
2. Discuss at least 2 strategies to minimize parental immunization worries.