DR. TAORAN LIU
Author(s)
Taoran Liu, PhD, YANGYANG GAO, PhD, Wai-kit Ming, MD, PhD, MPH, MMSc;
City University of Hong Kong, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate and understand parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) and vaccines among childhood immunization programs and non-childhood immunization programs.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a self-administered online survey from June 26 to August 1, 2025. Eligible respondents were adults who self-identified as parents or caregivers of at least one child under 18 years of age. The primary outcomes were objective knowledge items about routine immunization schedules, self-rated knowledge, and attitudes toward both routine and optional childhood vaccines. Logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the correlates of optional vaccine uptake and vaccine delay.
RESULTS: A total of 1053 parents who completed the survey were included in the study. Among them, 545 (51.8%) are women respondents, and around half of the respondents are aged 25-34 years (520 (49.4%)). Vaccine uptake was relatively high (842 (80.0%)) but varied a lot across countries (e.g., 90.3% in the US vs 53.9% in South Africa). Although attitudes toward vaccination were relatively favorable at a high level, safety concerns were frequently mentioned by respondents (85.9% reported worrying about side effects), and around 64.9% of respondents reported ever delaying a childhood vaccine. Strong trust in vaccine safety/effectiveness was reported by only 357 respondents and was relatively lower in the US. In addition, optional vaccine uptake was higher among higher educational levels (aOR = 3.55, 95% CI (2.21-5.70)) and those who trusted healthcare professionals (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.40-4.48)). Childhood vaccination delay was more likely among parents mentioned vaccine safety concerns (aOR=2.13, 95% CI (1.39-3.26)).
CONCLUSIONS: Parents reported a relatively high level of vaccine uptake, while safety concerns were also frequently mentioned. Timely communication between healthcare providers and parents, along with credible vaccine information, should be ensured by suitable healthcare policies and international collaborations to further improve childhood vaccination coverage.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a self-administered online survey from June 26 to August 1, 2025. Eligible respondents were adults who self-identified as parents or caregivers of at least one child under 18 years of age. The primary outcomes were objective knowledge items about routine immunization schedules, self-rated knowledge, and attitudes toward both routine and optional childhood vaccines. Logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the correlates of optional vaccine uptake and vaccine delay.
RESULTS: A total of 1053 parents who completed the survey were included in the study. Among them, 545 (51.8%) are women respondents, and around half of the respondents are aged 25-34 years (520 (49.4%)). Vaccine uptake was relatively high (842 (80.0%)) but varied a lot across countries (e.g., 90.3% in the US vs 53.9% in South Africa). Although attitudes toward vaccination were relatively favorable at a high level, safety concerns were frequently mentioned by respondents (85.9% reported worrying about side effects), and around 64.9% of respondents reported ever delaying a childhood vaccine. Strong trust in vaccine safety/effectiveness was reported by only 357 respondents and was relatively lower in the US. In addition, optional vaccine uptake was higher among higher educational levels (aOR = 3.55, 95% CI (2.21-5.70)) and those who trusted healthcare professionals (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.40-4.48)). Childhood vaccination delay was more likely among parents mentioned vaccine safety concerns (aOR=2.13, 95% CI (1.39-3.26)).
CONCLUSIONS: Parents reported a relatively high level of vaccine uptake, while safety concerns were also frequently mentioned. Timely communication between healthcare providers and parents, along with credible vaccine information, should be ensured by suitable healthcare policies and international collaborations to further improve childhood vaccination coverage.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
PCR34
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient Engagement
Disease
SDC: Infectious Disease (non-vaccine), SDC: Pediatrics, STA: Vaccines