Emotions and support needs in parents’ vaccination decision-making for young children

Abstract Background Although vaccines are safe and effective, vaccination rates are declining, partly due to vaccine hesitancy: a major global health threat marked by indecision around vaccination. Understanding the vaccination decision-making process is essential, yet the role of emotions and the related support parents need is understudied. This study explores the emotional factors and support needs influencing vaccination decisions among parents of young children, both hesitant and non-hesitant. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with parents of 3- to 6-month-old children facing vaccination decisions. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Atlas.TI. Results Nine respondents were vaccine-hesitant, and thirteen were not. While non-hesitant parents can be either accepting or refusing, all non-hesitant respondents in this study accepted vaccination. Vaccine-hesitant parents mainly expressed fear of side effects from vaccination, distrust in government, anger about feeling pressured to vaccinate, confusion over conflicting information, and heightened vigilance. In contrast, non-hesitant parents primarily felt fear about vaccine-preventable diseases, happiness, trust in immunization programs, and calm about their decision. In terms of support needs, both groups sought well-balanced information and validation from healthcare professionals. Conclusions Our study shows that emotions play a role in parent's decision-making on vaccination and demonstrates clear emotional differences between vaccine-hesitant and non-hesitant parents, though both groups reported fear. We advise healthcare professionals to align their support to parents deciding on vaccinations to their emotional and support needs. Key messages • Hesitant and non-hesitant parents’ vaccination decisions evoke (different) emotions. All parents seek well-balanced information and validation. • Addressing parents’ emotions and needs can improve support during vaccination decisions.