Vaccine Distrust: Investigation of the Views and Attitudes of Parents in Regard to Vaccination of Their Children

International audienceBACKGROUND: In France, many parents have lost confidence in vaccinations, which has a direct impact on immunization coverage. Pharmacists, like other health professionals, often encounter parents exhibiting vaccine distrust. METHODS: Using a survey distributed in a school and in a number of volunteering pharmacies, the objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the views and the attitude of parents in regard to vaccination of their children. RESULTS: Our results show that the main concerns were in regard to vaccine adjuvants, the risk of short- and long-term adverse effects, and the risk of developing a disease or a disability as a result of vaccination. The parents, although they tended to express a degree of reluctance and apprehension, in general, they were not opposed to vaccination, and they sought objective scientific information and full transparency regarding all aspects of vaccine composition, adverse effects, and effectiveness. Cooperation of all the parties involved in the health system on this subject is essential for a seamless chain of care and to improve vaccination coverage. CONCLUSION: The information collected, combined with a review of the international literature, allow avenues for dialogue adapted to parents' opinions to be established and thus assist health professionals to communicate effectively regarding vaccines, which is a bona fide public health issue