title: Factors contributing to suboptimal rates of childhood vaccinations in Vermont.
abstract: Childhood immunizations are invaluable in preventing contagious diseases. Nonetheless, vaccines have become increasingly controversial with growing numbers of caregivers refusing to vaccinate their children. The percentage of fully vaccinated children in Vermont is one of the lowest nationally. This study set out to determine Vermont caregivers' attitudes toward immunizations to better explain why the percentage of fully vaccinated children has fallen in Vermont. A survey regarding caregivers' health care knowledge about children, their vaccination concerns, and their children's vaccination status was sent to participants in the Vermont Women, Infants and Children's Program from two districts. In total, 83% (n = 379) of respondents reported their children received all recommended vaccinations for their age. Respondents who considered themselves highly knowledgeable regarding their children's health care and confident about the safety of vaccinations were significantly associated with reporting their children as being current on vaccinations and with their intent to continue vaccinations. Respondents indicated highest concern regarding the safety and number of vaccinations administered during one visit. Primary care providers were indicated as important resources for addressing concerns about vaccinations and health care knowledge of children. The results help to understand low vaccination rates in Vermont and can be used for targeting health campaigns to improve vaccination rates.
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Cristine S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Velazco
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Delaney
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bensimhon
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Kuang-Ning
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jolin
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USAVermont Department of Health, USAUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Kurt B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Schaberg
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.affiliation: Vermont Department of Health, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Finley
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, USA jan.carney@uvm.edu.
authors.forename: Jan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Carney
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014611:Vaccination; D014707:Vermont
keywords: Childhood immunizations; immunizations; vaccinations; vaccine safety concerns