Vaccine Hesitancy Research Articles

Exploring vaccine hesitancy in digital public discourse: From tribal polarization to socio-economic disparities.

This study analyzed online public discourse on Twitter (later rebranded as X) during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand key factors associated with vaccine hesitancy by employing deep-learning techniques. Text classification analysis reveals a significant association between attitudes toward vaccination and the unique socio-economic characteristics of US states, such as education, race, income or voting behavior. However, our results indicate that attributing vaccine hesitancy solely to a single social factor is not appropriate. Furthermore, the topic modeling of online discourse identifies two distinct sets of justifications for vaccine hesitancy. The first set pertains to political concerns, including constitutional rights and conspiracy theories. The second pertains to medical concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. However, vaccine-hesitant social media users pragmatically use broad categories of justification for their beliefs. This behavior may suggest that vaccine hesitancy is influenced by political beliefs, unconscious emotions, and gut-level instinct. Our findings have further implications for the critical role of trust in public institutions in shaping attitudes toward vaccination and the need for tailored communication strategies to restore faith in marginalized communities.

COVID-19 Parental Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Trust in Science and Conspiracy Beliefs

Background. Parent vaccine hesitancy is a sensitive topic despite the benefits associated with children’s vaccination. Especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, parents displayed concerns about children’s vaccination, questioning their effectiveness and security. Although several studies were conducted on the general population, few studies investigated this relationship on parents’ intentions. Methods. An online survey was advertised from May to December 2022 on social networks, collecting data from 109 participants (90% F; mean age: 41.34 years, SD: ±6.40). The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy through the Parents Attitude towards Childhood Vaccine—PAVC, trust in science through the Belief in Science Scale—BISS, and conspiracy beliefs through the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale—GCBS. Results. In our sample, 29 parents (26.6%) scored more than 50 points to PAVC and, for this reason, were considered hesitant. Moreover, more than half of parents (60.6%) declared that they did not intend to vaccinate their children in the future. The path analysis model showed that parents with low education tended to have higher conspiracy beliefs (β = −0.40). Holding conspiracy beliefs (β = 0.28) and having low trust in science (β = −0.23) was associated with higher parent hesitancy and, in turn, no future intention to vaccinate their children for COVID-19 (OR = 0.83, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The results of the current paper suggest that targeted campaigns should be aimed at parents with lower levels of education, mainly on social media, debunking the most common fake news or myths, independently from the type of vaccine, and highlighting the importance of scientific research for improving people’s living conditions.

Political and Community Logics of Emergent Disease Vaccine Deployment: Anthropological Insights from DRC, Uganda and Tanzania

With a growing number of emerging infectious diseases and the rapid development of vaccines during epidemics and pandemics, public health officials at the global and national level have reported concerns about vaccine hesitancy, often attributing this to a problem of misinformation and poor understanding of risk. However, social scientists have found that vaccination perceptions are complex and multi-faceted. By focusing on the historical, cultural and political influences that affect vaccine acceptance, as well as social justice questions that examine the fair distribution of vaccines, we explore the political and community logics of vaccine deployment using a case study approach. We found differing logics depending on the vaccine and the context and argue that political and community logics come to the forefront during outbreaks as vaccine strategies often are imposed—in different ways—by the Global North. We suggest that, prior to the development and deployment of new vaccines for emergent diseases in the Global South, political level and community logics must be acknowledged and engaged with.

Predictors for vaccine hesitancy among nursing students in Namibia

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group targeted for vaccination because they are greatly exposed to infectious agents.Aim: To determine the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and associated risk factors for vaccine hesitancy to recommend vaccine uptake strategies among student nurses.Setting: The study was carried out at the University of Namibia, main campus in Windhoek.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a proportionate stratified sampling method. The total sample for the study was 509 students. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 29 was used to analyse data. Frequencies and proportions were calculated. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted to pronounce the predictors for vaccine hesitancy.Results: Only 31.40% students were vaccinated against COVID-19. Out of the vaccinated, 41.80% (p 0.001) were previously infected with COVID-19. Participants who were not HCWs before nursing school were most likely not to be vaccinated (p 0.001). Most unvaccinated students were hesitant because of a lack of information about the COVID-19 vaccine’s side effects (50.36%) and not knowing its effectiveness (38.13%). A total 60.80% of the participants believed a vaccine was needed to overcome the pandemic.Conclusion: We recommend the creation of targeted awareness campaigns that shed more light on the benefits of vaccination and vaccine side effects.Contribution: The study identifies key factors that can be targeted to change student nurses’ behaviour towards vaccination and offers valuable data that can inform preparedness and response strategies for future pandemics in Namibia and similar regions.

Association Between Medical Debt and Vaccine Uptake in the USA, 2021-2022.

Many individuals do not receive recommended vaccines, increasing infectious disease morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether the financial practices of US healthcare institutions contribute to vaccine hesitancy. To determine whether medical debt is associated with low vaccine uptake. Cross-sectional analysis of the association between medical debt and vaccine receipt. 56,373 adult participants in the 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey. Presence of medical debt at the time of survey administration. We used logistic regression models to assess whether medical debt was associated with recent vaccine receipt, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and access-to-care variables. We performed a sensitivity analysis restricted to individuals with health insurance and conducted a falsification test of the hypothesis that current medical debt would not be associated with remote prior vaccination (i.e., > 1year prior, likely before debt acquisition). Individuals with medical debt were less likely than those without such debt to receive any recent vaccine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.91), including influenza vaccination (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.91) or COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91). Analyses limited to insured individuals had similar findings (aOR for any recent vaccination 0.79, 95% CI 0.72-0.88). In the falsification test, current medical debt was not associated with remote prior vaccination (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.93-1.16). Current medical debt is associated with lower likelihood of recent vaccine receipt in both insured and uninsured individuals. Policies that minimize medical debt may improve vaccine coverage.

Assessment of childhood vaccination hesitancy among syrian parents under temporary protection

Background and AimVaccination programs become increasingly crucial during migratory movements driven by conflict and other disruptions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood vaccination hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection and identify areas for targeted interventions.MethodA total of 227 Syrian parents attending three Immigrant Health Centers in Sultangazi were assessed using the Arabic version of the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, conducted between October and December 2023.ResultsThe prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among these parents was found to be 10.6%. An inverse correlation was observed between maternal education level and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that higher education levels were associated with lower levels of hesitancy.ConclusionThe observed rate of vaccine hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Tailored vaccination strategies for immigrant populations are essential to improve immunization rates and ensure the health and well-being of these communities.

Behaviorally Informed Text Message Nudges to Schedule COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vaccine hesitancy, especially related to COVID-19 vaccinations among Veterans, may limit uptake. Behaviorally informed text-based messages have the potential to improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations. To evaluate the impact of two different behaviorally informed text message nudges on COVID-19 vaccine scheduling and completion, compared to standard control message. Prospective, three-arm patient-level randomized quality improvement trial. Between March and May 2021, 20,523 Veterans were eligible for the initial series of COVID-19 vaccination, enrolled at two large Veterans Health Administration sites. Arm 1 (Control): standard scheduling message; Arm 2 (Social Good): standard message plus behaviorally informed text message "When you get a vaccine now, you help protect yourself, your family, and your community"; and Arm 3 (Scarcity): standard plus behaviorally informed text message "Only a limited number of vaccine appointments are available." Outcomes were vaccine scheduling and/or completion rate within 7 days of receipt of text message (primary), and within 14 days and 30 days after receipt of text message (secondary). Veterans had an overall rate of 19% of scheduling or receiving a vaccination in 7 days. In our adjusted intention-to-treat analysis, we found no difference between intervention social good or scarcity (aOR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.88-1.09, for both arms) compared to standard scheduling message. We found no statistical differences in our secondary outcomes. During the initial phases of vaccine roll-out, two behaviorally informed text messages did not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among Veterans compared to a standard scheduling message.

A study of some psychological variables as predictors of COVID-19 vaccination anxiety among Faculty Members of Ain Shams University

The study aimed to investigate the relative contribution of each of psychasthenia, psychological flexibility, suggestibility, and conspiracy beliefs in predicting the anxiety of vaccination with the anti COVID-19 vaccine among faculty members at Ain Shams University (ASU). Examining the difference in the sample’s scores on the vaccination anxiety scale and its sub-factors according to the variables (age—chronic diseases—academic specialization—previous infection with COVID-19—gender), the sample of the study included 139 faculty members at Ain Shams University aged ranged from 23 to 78 years, with a mean of 49.52 years, and a standard deviation of 13.29 years. The vaccination anxiety scale, psychasthenia scale, psychological flexibility scale, suggestibility scale, and conspiracy beliefs scale were used to collect data. The results revealed that the variables of suggestibility and conspiracy beliefs significantly contribute to predicting the vaccination anxiety among faculty members at Ain Shams University. There is a significant difference in the average scores on the vaccination anxiety scale according to age, with the difference in favor of the age group less than fifty years, as well as according to the presence/absence of a previous infection with COVID-19, with the vaccination anxiety being higher for those who were previously infected. There has been no observed significant difference according to the presence/absence of chronic diseases or academic specialization.

Respiratory Vaccination Rates in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder in Switzerland: A Descriptive Analysis of Coverage and Vaccine Hesitancy.

The aim of the study is to provide a population-based evaluation of vaccination coverage to prevent respiratory complications from SARS-COV-2, influenza, and pneumococcus, among community-dwelling persons with spinal cord injury/disease. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022, utilizing questionnaires administered to persons with spinal cord injury/disease living in Switzerland. Main outcomes were ever-vaccination rates for SARS-COV-2, influenza, and pneumococcus. Secondary outcomes included demographics, lesion and education levels, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Vaccine hesitancy was additionally assessed for all three vaccines in nonvaccinated persons through questions on reasons for not getting vaccinated. A total of 1158 persons participated in this survey. Overall vaccination rates were highest for SARS-COV-2 86.5% (95% CI = 84.4-88.3), followed by influenza 44.6 (41.7-47.6) and pneumococcus: 7.5% (6.0-9.3). The most prominent reasons for not being vaccinated were doubt on effectiveness (72.7%) and potential side effects (60%) for SARS-COV-2, patients did not feel at risk for influenza (57%) and insufficient information from the physician (52.4%) for pneumococcus vaccination. In individuals with spinal cord injury/disease, vaccination coverage is notably low for influenza and especially pneumococcus. Vaccine hesitancy varies between vaccination types and is associated with vaccine-specific reasons. These findings underscore the imperative for updated clinical vaccination guidelines, improved public health information, and targeted intervention programs for specific patient groups.

Interventions involving nudge theory for COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

New approaches to mitigate vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake are urgently needed. Nudging has shown effective results in several health areas. However, the effectiveness of interventions involving nudge theory in increasing COVID-19 vaccination remains unclear. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials published before December 31, 2022, to determine whether interventions involving nudge theory improved COVID-19 vaccination behavior and intent. Risk ratio (RR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as pooled measures to assess vaccination behavior. Intention to vaccinate was reported in a narrative synthesis. Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 176,125 participants were included. Interventions involving nudge theory weakly boosted the COVID-19 vaccine uptake rate (RR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.07, 1.36], p < .01). Subgroup analysis showed a weak positive effect of social norms (RR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.61, 2.57]), defaults (RR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.03, 1.69]), and salient reminders (RR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.04, 1.36]). Nudge interventions integrating multiple components were more efficacious in increasing vaccination rates compared to nudge alone. The effect of nudging interventions weakened over time (p < .001). Most studies (10 of 11) involving vaccination intention outcomes showed positive or partially positive results. Interventions involving nudge theory can promote COVID-19 vaccination behavior and intentions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Opt-out vaccination in school and daycare: Reconciling parental authority and obligations.

An increasing vaccine hesitancy among parents, which has resulted in insufficient rates of immunization, provides reason to reconsider childhood vaccination practices. Studies suggest that parents' decision-making process concerning whether to vaccinate their child is highly influenced by cognitive biases. These biases can be utilized to increase vaccination uptake via changes in the choice context. This article considers childhood vaccination programmes, which involve children being vaccinated in school or daycare unless their parents actively 'opt out'. We suggest that such programmes reconcile parents' decisional authority and vaccination duties. First, opt-out childhood vaccination based in schools or daycare centres are not disrespectful of parental authority. Second, the programme aligns the default setting with a moral obligation to vaccinate one's child that most parents have.

Vaccine hesitancy: a structured review from a behavioral perspective (2015–2022)

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy, a complex behavioral phenomenon, poses a significant global health threat and has gained renewed attention amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper scrutinized peer-reviewed literature on vaccine hesitancy published from 2015 to 2022, with a specific focus on behavioral perspectives, utilizing a Theories-Constructs-Variables-Contexts-Methods (TCVCM) framework. The study highlighted prominent theoretical approaches, abstract concepts, research variables, global contexts and academic techniques employed across a selected sample of 138 studies. The result is a consolidated overview of research and schematization of the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and vaccination behaviors. These include individual-level, contextual, vaccine-specific, organizational, and public-policy-related dynamics. The findings corroborated the complexity of vaccine hesitancy and emphasized the difficulties of pursuing vaccine advocacy. The analysis also identified several directions for future research, and the need to conduct more contextual studies in low- and middle-income nations to bring out the cross-cultural nuances of vaccine hesitancy.

Comment on "Prevalence and Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy Among People With HIV Across the United States".

Comment on "Prevalence and Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy Among People With HIV Across the United States".

Designing persuasive communication models for vaccine acceptance in isolated communities: A mass communication approach

This study introduces the Persuasive Communication Model as a novel approach to address vaccine hesitancy in isolated U.S. communities, where infectious diseases such as measles and influenza continue to pose significant public health threats. By integrating mass communication theories like the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with AI-driven message personalization, the model effectively tailors health communication strategies to the cultural, cognitive, and socio-economic contexts of vaccine-hesitant populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the model increased vaccination uptake by over 20% compared to traditional methods, while also enhancing trust in healthcare systems. The model’s adaptive communication, utilizing both digital platforms and community leaders, was instrumental in overcoming barriers related to geographic isolation, religious beliefs, and cultural resistance. These findings are particularly relevant for enhancing national public health security and reducing the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The study highlights the model's superiority over static communication frameworks, offering scalable applications for broader public health interventions.

Herd immunity and sustainable development goals: role of nurses in strengthening primary health care

Herd immunity has proven as a highly valuable public health concept for dealing with reinfection. It is the immunity developed in a population to an infectious disease through vaccination or previous infection which is contributed by the virulence of the organism, susceptibility of an individual to infection, extent of immunity developed towards the pathogen, occurrence of clinical and subclinical infection in the herd and herd structure. Herd immunity assessment is imperative for continuously monitoring the risk of epidemics. The minimum proportion of the population that needs to be immune to herd effect is called herd immunity threshold which can be achieved through adequate immunization coverage. Immunization contributes to 14 out of its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and is important in reaching SDGs. Nurses play a vital role in strengthening primary health care through vaccination campaigns, addressing vaccine hesitancy, community outreach programs, monitoring and surveillance of diseases, advocacy, and policy development. Nurse practitioners and nurse-led vaccination programs help in reaching underserved communities or groups with vaccine hesitancy and lead to an upsurge in vaccination rates, patient satisfaction, and attainment of community immunity. Thus, vaccination is a powerful, cost-effective public health tool to achieve the eradication of diseases through proper coverage and development of population immunity.

Mpox Vaccine Hesitancy Among Brazilian Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Mpox is a viral zoonosis that has gained increased attention due to a global outbreak in 2022, significantly impacting men who have sex with men (MSM). Vaccination for this disease poses a public health challenge; because it carries a strong stigma, there may be greater hesitancy in vulnerable groups. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Mpox vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian MSM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2022 using an online survey targeted at MSM. Recruitment was carried out through social media and dating apps. The sample consisted of 1449 participants and the analysis involved bivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of Mpox vaccine hesitancy was 7.57%. The significant factors associated with hesitancy were primarily related to sexual practices and attitudes towards Mpox exposure and diagnosis, such as not using “glory holes” (aOR: 19.82; 95% CI: 1.60–245.69), reluctance to undergo pre- and post-exposure testing for Mpox (aOR: 9.54; 95% CI: 5.52–16.48), and not knowing close contacts diagnosed with Mpox (aOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.72–9.73). Participants who would not take precautions after diagnosis (aOR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.27–7.07) and those who would not disclose their serological status (aOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.13–3.30) also showed a higher likelihood of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Public health strategies should address these factors to expand knowledge about vaccination barriers, plan educational campaigns with targeted messaging for the MSM population, and provide inclusive healthcare environments to increase vaccine acceptance and reduce Mpox transmission in vulnerable groups.

Vaccine hesitancy in patients with solid tumors: a cross-sectional single-center survey

BackgroundVaccination rates are still suboptimal in cancer patients. Oncologists play a central role in recommending vaccines to their patients. Our goal was to investigate vaccine acceptance among cancer patients and understand the factors shaping their choices, thereby aiding physicians in better supporting their patients’ vaccination decisions.MethodsWe designed a prospective cross-sectional survey exploring vaccination status, attitudes, and reasons for hesitancy towards vaccinations against the main vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) among patients undergoing active cancer treatment. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the proportion of vaccinated subjects in our cohort of cancer patients. The secondary endpoints were to assess the proportion of vaccinated subjects against different types of VPDs: flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, Herpes Zoster (HZ).ResultsBetween 12 February and 01 March 2024, a total of three hundred and seventeen patients with cancer were invited to respond to the survey, 309 of whom (97%) agreed to do it. Two hundred seventy-three patients (0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.91) had received at least one vaccination. Two hundred thirty-one patients (74.76%) reported that at their first oncology visit their oncologist recommended vaccinations, primarily anti-flu (92.21%) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (83.55%) vaccinations, while less frequently the anti-pneumococcal (42.42%) and anti-HZ (37%) vaccines were recommended. On the univariate analysis, age over 75 years (p = 0.041), marital status (p = 0.003) and the oncologist’s vaccine recommendation during the first visit (p < 0.001) were significantly associated to vaccine acceptance. At the multivariable analysis, these variables were independently associated with vaccine willingness. Overall in our cancer population, the two main reasons for vaccine hesitancy were the lack of recommendation by the oncologist (55.41%, n = 128) and the lack of awareness of the importance of vaccination in the context of oncological care (49.35%, n = 114).ConclusionsThis survey emphasizes the importance of vaccine counseling by the oncologist to their patients. Oncologists can motivate patients to receive the correct vaccine schedule by addressing doubts and concerns about the potential negative impact of the vaccine on cancer and cancer therapies.

“Sick of the Jab!”: Immunization Barriers in an Immunosuppressed Dermatology Cohort

A study on immunosuppressed dermatology patients revealed significant vaccine hesitancy and fatigue, particularly regarding COVID-19 boosters. Despite the increased risk of infections, more than half of the patients declined the booster, emphasizing the need for better communication and addressing vaccine concerns in this vulnerable group.

India’s Vaccine Diplomacy and Global Health Governance: A Soft Power Approach in the Context of Public Policy and Religious Values

Research Problem: India's vaccine diplomacy during the Covid-19 pandemic has not only emerged as a significant tool of soft power but also involves moral and ethical dimensions closely tied to religious values and public policy. In the midst of a global crisis, the interaction between India’s vaccine diplomacy and the religious and public policy frameworks of recipient nations requires deeper exploration. Research purposes: This article aims to analyze the role of India’s vaccine diplomacy in relation to public policy and religious values in recipient countries, examining how India’s global health initiatives influence moral and ethical perceptions of vaccine distribution, fairness, and international solidarity. Research methods: The study employs policy analysis through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on the relationship between vaccine diplomacy, public policy, and responses from religious communities in the recipient countries. It also explores the ethical and spiritual dimensions of India’s health diplomacy approach and its impact on public health policies. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that India’s vaccine diplomacy, through initiatives like "Vaccine Maitri," not only strengthens political ties with neighboring and global countries but also interacts with religious value systems, influencing public acceptance of vaccines. Moral values such as solidarity and justice, integral to many religious traditions, reinforce positive responses to the vaccine initiatives. Additionally, in some nations, religious communities have played a significant role in promoting vaccine acceptance by framing the health response in moral terms. Research Implications and Contributions: This research highlights the importance of integrating religious values into public health policy, particularly in global health contexts. Vaccine diplomacy rooted in moral solidarity and universal ethical principles, aligned with religious values, has the potential to enhance international cooperation and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Thus, this study contributes to understanding how religion and public policy can collaborate effectively in addressing global health challenges.

Correlation between vaccine hesitancy, vaccine reliability and perceptions of infectious diseases

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is a delay in vaccine acceptance or refusal despite the availability of vaccination services. In recent years, the rise in vaccine hesitancy has attracted attention. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of vaccine hesitancy, vaccine safety, and infectious diseases among parents. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 503 parents who applied to the pediatrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The questionnaire used in the study included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, factors related to vaccine hesitancy, The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VAS), the Vaccine Safety Scale (VSS), and the Perception Scale for Infectious Diseases (PPSID). Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis was used to find the variables associated with vaccine hesitancy. Results The mean age of the parents was 37.6±7.6 years. Parents’ scores on the ATS ranged from 17-85, with a mean score of 20.1±6.6 points. A moderate negative correlation was found between parents’ VAS and VSS scores, and between VAS and PPSID scores (r=-0.412, p &amp;lt; 0.001; r=-0.409, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). According to the multivariate linear regression analysis the variables found to be associated with vaccine hesitancy, income status, maternal education level, child’s age group, having information about childhood vaccination schedule, child’s immunization status, the necessity of childhood vaccines, having sufficient information about the safety of vaccines, vaccine safety level, and infectious disease perception level were found to be significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy (F: 12,844, p ≤ 0.001, R2: 0.334). Conclusions This study determined that vaccine hesitancy was higher in families with lower income, who have not completed the schedule nor been vaccinated, doubt the necessity of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, lack of knowledge about the reliability of vaccines, and whose children are still in primary school. Key messages • Health professionals have a critical role in reducing vaccine hesitancy. • It would be appropriate to plan face-to-face or online programs with parents.