Clinical Inquiries

Which interventions are effective in managing parental vaccine refusal?

J Fam Pract. 2017 December;66(12):E12-E14

Author(s):

Dan Brelsford, MD

Elise Knutzen, PharmD

Jon O. Neher, MD

Sarah Safranek, MLIS

PDF Download

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER:

It’s unclear whether educational initiatives alone alter vaccine refusal. Although about a third of parents cite herd immunity as motivation for vaccination, its efficacy in addressing vaccine hesitancy isn’t clear (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, systematic reviews not limited to randomized controlled trials [RCTs]).

Multifaceted interventions (encompassing improved access to vaccines, immunization mandates, and patient education) may produce a ≥25% increase in vaccine uptake in groups with vaccine hesitancy and low utilization (SOR: B, extrapolated from a meta-analysis across diverse cultures).

Correcting false information about influenza vaccination improves perceptions about the vaccine, but may decrease intention to vaccinate in parents who already have strong concerns about safety (SOR: C, low-quality RCT).

Discussions about vaccines that are more paternalistic (presumptive rather than participatory) are associated with higher vaccination rates, but lower visit satisfaction (SOR: C, observational study).

Providers should thoroughly address patient concerns about safety and encourage vaccine use (SOR: C, expert opinion).

References

1. Sadaf A, Richards JL, Glanz J, et al. A systematic review of interventions for reducing parental vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine. 2013;31:4293-42304.

2. Quadri-Sheriff M, Hendrix K, Downs S, et al. The role of herd immunity in parents’ decision to vaccinate children: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2012;130:522-530.

3. Jarrett C, Wilson R, O’Leary M, et al. Strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy: a systematic review. Vaccine. 2015;33:4180-4190.

4. Nyhan B, Reifler J. Does correcting myths about the flu vaccine work? An experimental evaluation of the effects of corrective information. Vaccine. 2015;33:459-464.

5. Opel DJ, Mangione-Smith R, Robinson JD, et al. The influence of provider communication behaviors on parental vaccine acceptance and visit experience. Am J Public Health. 2015;105:1998-2004.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization Strategies for Healthcare Practices and Providers. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/strat.html. Accessed May 11, 2016.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/about-vacc-conversations.html. Accessed May 11, 2016.

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

A systematic review analyzed 30 predominantly US studies with more than 8000 patients published between 1990 and 2012 (4 RCTs, 7 nonrandomized clinical trials, 13 before/after intervention trials, and 6 evaluation studies) to evaluate interventions that decreased parental vaccine refusal and hesitancy.¹ Interventions included: change in state law, changes in state and school policies, and family-centered education initiatives.

Four studies that evaluated the impact of state laws concerning personal exemption (in addition to religious exemption) consistently found that total nonmedical exemption rates were higher in states that allowed personal exemptions. One nationwide survey found that total nonmedical exemption rates were 2.54 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-3.83) in states that allowed personal exemption than in states where only religious nonmedical exemption was allowed.

Fifteen studies evaluated the impact of educational initiatives on parental attitude towards vaccination; 8 of them reported statistically significant changes. None of the studies demonstrated a change in vaccination rates, however. Citing the generally low quality of the studies, the review authors concluded that they didn’t have convincing evidence that educational interventions reduced vaccine hesitancy.

Herd immunity is an iffy motivator

A systematic review analyzed 29 studies from western nations (17 qualitative and 12 quantitative, 4650 patients) regarding willingness to immunize children for the benefit of the community.² Of the 17 qualitative studies, only 2 (164 patients) identified benefit to others as a motivating factor in parents’ decisions to immunize their children. In the 12 quantitative studies, a wide range of parents (1% to 60%) rated the concept of benefit to others as a reason for immunization. Overall, approximately one-third of parents listed herd immunity as a motivating reason. The authors concluded that the high heterogeneity of the studies made it unclear whether herd immunity was a motivating factor in childhood immunizations.

Multifaceted interventions, education, and tailored approaches may all work

A systematic review of international studies published between 2007 and 2013 investigated interventions to increase uptake of routinely recommended immunizations in groups with vaccine hesitancy and reduced use.³ Authors identified 189 articles (trial types and number of patients not given) that provided outcome measures.

Interventions that resulted in at least a 25% increase in vaccine uptake were primarily multifaceted, including elements of: targeting undervaccinated populations, improving access or convenience, educational initiatives, and mandates. Interventions that produced a greater than 20% increase in knowledge were generally educational interventions embedded in routine processes such as clinic visits.

The authors noted wide variation between studies in effect size, settings, and target populations. They concluded that interventions tailored to specific populations and concerns were likely to work best.

Evidence-based answers from the Family Physicians Inquiries Network

Management of Patients with HIV and Hepatitis B Coinfection