Area of Responsibility: Area II: Planning Subcompetencies: 4.5.4 Translate findings into practice and interventions. 5.1 Identify a current or emerging health issue requiring policy, systems, or environmental , 4.4.5 Identify implications for practice. Research or Practice: Research
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
describe factors influencing vaccine choices of parents of school-age or younger children.
identify new sources of health related information such as medRxiv, Substack, Brownstone Institute, etc.
strategize effective methods of impacting parental vaccine choices.
Brief Abstract Summary: Participants in the presentation will gain a greater understanding of the factors that influence the vaccine choices of parents of young children. Participants will learn whether social media, podcasts, news outlets, or other courses informed parental vaccine choices. Participants will identify strategies to better influence parents to make wise choices regarding their children's vaccines.
Detailed abstract description: The impact of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to have a significant impact on the public health and healthcare systems in the United States. One area of specific interest is the impact that social media and news sources has had on the decision-making processes of parents of young children regarding getting their children vaccinated. This study examines the factors that influence the decisions that parents of school aged and younger children made regarding having their children vaccinated using a survey developed by the researchers. Preliminary results indicate that while the majority of parents did not choose to delay vaccines, a significant minority choose to delay the COVID-19 and subsequent vaccines. These findings are consistent with anecdotal evidence from public health officials that indicate an increased level of vaccine resistance and distrust in public health and health care recommendations.
At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will have a greater understanding of news sources, social media, podcasts, governmental (local, state, federal) and other sources of information factors influencing parental vaccine choices. Further, attendees may learn of new sources of health related information of which they are not aware. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss and identify potential strategies to impact wise vaccine making choices.
