Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Declining childhood vaccination coverage in the Netherlands requires need to understand parental vaccination information preferences. This study explored information needs, communication and source preferences, and satisfaction among Dutch parents of children under five regarding the National Immunisation Programme.
METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used. A literature-informed interview guide was used in six semi-structured interviews with parents in the Netherlands with at least one child under five. Interviews explored information needs, communication preferences, satisfaction, and information-seeking behaviour. Literature and interview findings informed an online survey administered through a Dutch general population panel (Dynata). The survey included 122 parents of children under five and assessed information topics, preferred sources and formats, satisfaction, and exploratory subgroup patterns. Data were analysed descriptively.
RESULTS: Interviews confirmed the themes identified in the literature and provided additional practical insights into the importance of centralised, easily retrievable digital information, concise explanations, personalised relevance, and a combination of verbal and written communication. Survey respondents rated risk-related information as most important: side effects were rated important or very important by 88.5%, vaccination risks by 87.7%, vaccine effectiveness by 85.2%, and National Immunisation Programme content by 84.4%. Parents valued understandable information, additional online information, a named contact person, and transparent sources. Preferred sources were healthcare professionals, particularly child welfare centres, general practitioner practices, and midwives or gynaecologists; social media and influencers were least valued. Satisfaction was relatively high: 73.0% were satisfied or very satisfied with the amount of information and 75.4% with content. However, notable proportions reported insufficient information about vaccination risks, non-vaccination risks, and side effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Parents generally trust official and healthcare-professional sources, but gaps remain in risk-related information. Communication should prioritise clear explanations of benefits, risks, and side effects; accessible and revisitable information; and empathetic dialogue through trusted healthcare professionals. Tailored verbal, written, and digital communication may better support informed decision-making.