Parental Vaccine Concerns in Kentucky

Background:
An increasing number of parents are raising concerns about vaccine safety. Locally targeted vaccine risk communication interventions may help maintain public confidence in the immunization program.

Objectives:
To better understand specific parental vaccine safety concerns in Kentucky.

Methods:
An internet-based survey focusing on parental vaccine safety concerns, patterns of vaccine refusal and potential vaccine risk communication strategies was sent to all members of the Kentucky chapter of the AAP. Responses were stratified by type of medical practice and proportion of patients participating in VFC.

Results:
121 respondents routinely administered childhood vaccines. Of these, 85% reported parental concern about the MMR vaccine. Concerns about the influenza and HPV vaccines were also frequent. Parental skepticism about all vaccines in general was common; however, refusal of all vaccines was not (median 1%, interquartile range 1 – 3%). The belief that vaccines cause autism was the most prevalent parental concern. Lists of reliable vaccine information websites and pamphlets addressing common vaccine safety concerns were the highest-rated risk communication interventions.
There was a strong association between practice type (private versus non-private) and patient participation in VFC. Private practitioners were more likely (92% versus 72%, p = .006) to report MMR in the top three most concerning vaccines, but were less likely to report influenza vaccine (42% versus 63%, p = .046). Despite this difference, uptake of these vaccines was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions:
Parental vaccine safety concerns are prevalent in Kentucky, though specific concerns may vary across socioeconomic groups. Pamphlets and websites focusing on the MMR, influenza, and HPV vaccines, as well as data refuting the putative link between vaccines and autism, would be useful to physicians who administer vaccinations. Such materials exist and need to be made readily available to community pediatricians.