Prevalence of Vaccine Hesitancy Towards Childhood Vaccinations Among Parents in the United Kingdom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64917/fmcs/Volume02Issue10-02Keywords:
Determinants, Parent attitudes about childhood vaccines (PACV) scale, Prevalence, Vaccine, Vaccine hesitancyAbstract
Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy poses a significant public health threat, hindering progress in combating vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This study assessed the prevalence of parental vaccine hesitancy in the United Kingdom using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scale.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 774 parents of children aged 0-6 years. Vaccine hesitancy was measured through a series of questions about beliefs, attitudes, and intentions regarding childhood vaccinations. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic factors.
Results: A total of 323 parents (41.7%) scored a PACV value ≥50 and were defined hesitant about childhood vaccinations. Those who delayed and refused at least one vaccine for their children, those who were concerned that any of the childhood vaccines might not be safe, those who were worried that their children might experience a serious side effect from a vaccine, those who were worried that a vaccine might not prevent the disease, and those who were unsure about their child's pediatrician all showed significantly higher rates of vaccine hesitancy.
Discussion: The high vaccine hesitancy prevalence was linked to socioeconomic disparities, distrust in healthcare systems, and skepticism toward pharmaceutical companies. Parents expressed concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, reflecting lingering impacts of the discredited Wakefield study and debates around novel vaccines like COVID-19. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach, including countering misinformation, and building trust in public health institutions.
Conclusions: The study finds a high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among UK parents and points to significant vaccine hesitancy determinants including attitudes toward prevention and the communication and media environment. Future public health initiatives should emphasize herd immunity’s role and the high efficacy of vaccines in lowering disease transmission at all levels of contracting VPDs. Providers of healthcare might play a significant role in boosting public confidence in scientific and epidemiological findings.
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