The influenza virus is responsible for hundreds of childhood deaths and costs the health
care system millions of dollars each year (Hassan, Lewis, Davis, Gebremariam, and
Dombkowski, 2009). The influenza vaccine is the most effective intervention for
prevention of pediatric influenza, yet many parents decline this vaccine for their children.
Studies completed in various geographic locations cite different factors influencing parents
who decline pediatric vaccinations. Alaska has the second lowest rate of influenza
vaccination in the country (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2012). The purpose of this
project was to understand the factors that influence parental decision to refuse influenza
vaccination in Juneau, Alaska. A modified version of the Childhood Influenza Immunization
Questionnaire, an instrument based on the Health Belief Model, was utilized to collect data
from a convenience sample of parents at a private pediatric practice in Juneau, AK.
Statistical analysis revealed the only significant influencing factor on parents’ decisions on
whether to vaccinate against influenza was their perception of vaccine risk (p < .001).
Information obtained from this study will be used to educate local providers in the
community with the goal of enabling said providers to overcome resistance to vaccination
hesitancy based on parent perceptions
