Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Childhood vaccination coverage in the Netherlands has declined, while parental vaccine hesitancy has increased. This targeted literature review identified the information Dutch parents of children under five need to support informed childhood vaccination decisions and the communication strategies preferred or considered effective.
METHODS: Med, Google Scholar, and Dutch governmental sources were searched. Eligible records focused on parents of children under five in the Netherlands and addressed information needs, communication preferences, information-seeking behaviour, satisfaction with communication, communication strategies, or vaccination campaign effectiveness. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on study characteristics, outcomes, and conclusions were extracted and summarised by topic.
RESULTS: Nineteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Parents reported a need for balanced, transparent, and comprehensive information on vaccine safety, side effects, disease risks, vaccine effectiveness, vaccine components, and the rationale for inclusion in the National Immunisation Programme. They preferred information before vaccination appointments and valued repeated communication in accessible formats. Healthcare professionals, child welfare centres, and official institutions were trusted sources. Parents valued respectful, empathetic, non-patronising communication that acknowledged concerns and enabled dialogue. Evidence on campaign effectiveness was limited; however, interpersonal communication, tailored approaches, and provider recommendations appeared important, whereas purely factual or overly persuasive communication could be insufficient or counterproductive for some groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Dutch parents need vaccination information that is clear, balanced, trustworthy, and tailored to their concerns and context. Communication should combine written and verbal formats, transparent risk information, and dialogue with healthcare professionals. Findings indicate opportunities to strengthen vaccination communication in the Netherlands by improving accessibility, transparency, and interpersonal communication.