Exploring Reasons for Vaccine-hesitancy Among Higher-SES Parents in Perth, Western Australia

Issues Addressed: The increasing prevalence among higher-socioeconomic (higher-SES) parents in Perth, Western Australia (WA), to be vaccine-hesitant (VH) is placing herd immunity at risk.

Methods: Eighteen one-on-one interviews were conducted; (n = 11) parents who earned >$125 000 pa and expressed ever having concerns surrounding vaccination; (n = 7) health care professionals (HCPs), who provided clinical services. Using grounded theory methodology, data were analysed by constant coding and comparison until themes emerged and an explanatory model was developed.

Results: Four main areas leading to vaccine-hesitancy emerged from the data: We are Educated; We Control our Health; Safe from Disease, At Risk from Vaccines; and What We Want. Parents believed themselves capable of making good vaccination decisions based on their higher education levels and self-sourced vaccination information, yet frequently sought reassurance. Healthism concepts were adopted and parents believed lifestyle factors could control for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Risk perception of disease was low and influenced by the remote geographic location of Perth, whilst perceived negative consequences of vaccination were high. A reduced concept of the social responsibility for vaccination and understanding of herd immunity emerged. Parents called for vaccine contents to be listed and requested more information on why vaccination was necessary.

Conclusion: Four areas of VH emerged and reflected parents' belief that higher educational and socioeconomic status, previous successes in life and where they live would result in positive health outcomes and reduce the risk of contracting VPDs. SO WHAT?: This study provides new research into the perceptions among higher-SES VH parents who live in Perth, WA. It provides a model that fills a significant gap in information that could be used effectively for future health promotion interventions.