Except for a few highly educated mothers who make a deliberate decision not to vaccinate, most people do not make decisions about health purely on the scientific evidence. Decision making is complex. 4 Focus group studies in western Sydney suggested that parental reactions to children's immediate distress are stronger than their feelings about later benefits from vaccination. Consent Consent can be difficult, especially for overseas visitors or divided families, and the age of consent varies between States and Territories. Even if parents consent, children cannot be vaccinated unless they are willing.
Adolescents are difficult to reach, and have a poor perception of risk.
6 Difficulties parents and vaccination providers have with consent forms are magnified in adolescents. Improving uptake Vaccination could be combined with other important preventive interventions for children. Flexible delivery modalities and the cultural appropriateness of the message are important, as is the relationship between vaccination and membership of ethnic communities. Health providers should listen to parents and treat their concerns seriously. 3 Tasmanian mothers felt that general practitioners should provide mother-friendly appointments and better information about procedures, benefits and reactions.