1399. Parental Perceptions of the Childhood Vaccination Schedule and Combination Vaccines in the United States (US)
Authors: Petigara Tanaz , Ng Xinyi , Chen Ya-Ting , Aggarwal Jyoti , Bhaloo Jenna , Goveia Michelle , Johnson David , Marshall Gary S 
Published: January 2021

Background

Ten different vaccine series are recommended by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices from birth to 18 months. Combination vaccines can reduce the number of injections and visits required to complete the schedule in a timely manner. There is limited current information on parents’ perception of the vaccine schedule and combination vaccines.

Methods

An online survey was completed by 100 parents who had at least one child under 2 years, were involved in vaccination decisions, and had accompanied their child to a vaccination appointment. Parents who reported not ever vaccinating their children were excluded. Parents’ perception of, and adherence to, the recommended schedule, communication with providers, and knowledge of combination vaccines were collected. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results

Ninety-six percent of parents (mean age=30.7 years; range 19.0-50.0; 91% white) reported their provider as a source of vaccination information, followed by internet searches (63%), family and friends (45%). Most (84%) followed all their provider’s recommendations and trusted the information given to them (87%). State day care and pre-school requirements influenced vaccination decisions for nearly 80% of parents.

Over 80% of parents thought it is important to protect against diseases covered by the vaccination schedule. One-third had at some time asked to delay or not administer vaccines; depending on the vaccine, up to 50% ultimately had their child vaccinated as recommended. Top reasons for delaying vaccination were to avoid crying and pain from multiple injections (82%), and the concern that too many vaccines would overwhelm the immune system (64%). Top reasons for refusal were religious views (57%) and the belief that the vaccine was not needed (52%).

On average, parents would accept their child receiving 3 injections in one visit. Most parents were aware of combination vaccines (84%); however, one-third reported that their child had not received, or they were unaware of their child receiving, a combination vaccine.

Conclusion

Providers are in a strong position to influence vaccination decisions by parents. Whereas parents are motivated to avoid the pain of multiple injections, many are unaware that their children are receiving combination vaccines.

Disclosures

Tanaz Petigara, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Xinyi Ng, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Consultant) Ya-Ting Chen, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Jyoti Aggarwal, MHS, Merck & Co., Inc. (Consultant) Jenna Bhaloo, MPH, Merck & Co., Inc. (Consultant) Michelle Goveia, MD, Merck & Co., Inc (Employee, Shareholder) David Johnson, MD, MPH, Sanofi Pasteur (Employee, Shareholder) Gary S. Marshall, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Merck (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Pfizer (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi Pasteur (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Honorarium for conference lecture)Seqirus (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)