A majority of pediatricians in the U.S. perceive no change in vaccination rates among their patients, though the same can be said for the persistence of parental concern, according to a new survey from InCrowd.
Among the 263 pediatricians surveyed, 61 percent report no marked change in regards to the number of patients receiving vaccines. Of the 39 percent that perceive a change in vaccination rates, a majority (71 percent) perceive vaccination rates to be increasing, while the remainder identify a reduction.
The primary concern expressed by parents regarding vaccines concerned autism. Though the link between autism and vaccination has been thoroughly debunked, 73 percent of pediatricians reported hearing this concern expressed by parents. In addition to autism fears, parents also expressed worry regarding the amount of vaccines administered at one time (69 percent of pediatricians reported hearing this concern) and vaccine ingredients (51 percent).
"As back to school season elevates vaccination levels as a public health issue, the new data underscore that the time is now to continue the dialogue," said Diane Hayes, president and co-founder of InCrowd. "Parent education regarding the safety of vaccines is imperative, with the CDC emphasizing that studies show no link between vaccines and autism, and the only study supporting a relationship being retracted. During August's National Immunization Month and always, the data reassert the need for clinicians to make sure that parents fully understand the seriousness of the risk to their child if left unvaccinated."
The survey also asked pediatricians what methods the healthcare industry could use to better educate parents about vaccination. Public service ads in digital media, print and television were supported by 73 percent of pediatricians, social media campaigns by 61 percent and increased time to discuss vaccination concerns by 49 percent.
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