Parents’ Attitudes Toward Pediatric Vaccines in Jordan: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Vaccination uptake rates are dependent on parental decisions regarding vaccines. Therefore, this study aims to explore parents’ attitudes toward pediatric vaccines in Jordan. Methods This was an online cross‐sectional survey study that was conducted in Jordan between April 20th and July 13th 2025. The research population consisted of parents who had children under the age of 18. A multivariable logistic regression analysis and a multivariable linear regression analysis were conducted to predict significant factors influencing the vaccine hesitancy score. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included 553 participants. More than half of the participants ( n = 282, 51%) reported trusting their child’s doctor, and 326 (59%) felt comfortable discussing vaccine concerns with them. A notable percentage of the participants ( n = 139, 25.1%) had previously decided not to vaccinate their child for reasons unrelated to illness or allergy. Meanwhile, 306 (55.3%) would choose to vaccinate a new baby. In addition, 194 (35.1%) expressed concern about serious vaccine side effects, and 259 (46.8%) were uncertain whether vaccines effectively prevented disease. Parents who reported alternating childcare responsibility between both parents had significantly higher odds of vaccine hesitancy compared to those who did not alternate childcare responsibility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.03–3.21, p = 0.038). Older age was associated with lower hesitancy score ( B : −1.762, beta‐coefficient: −0.109; p value: 0.032). Furthermore, being responsible for childcare was associated with a higher hesitancy score ( B : 3.498, beta‐coefficient: 0.127; p value: 0.003). Conclusion This study underscores the need to improve positive parental attitudes toward vaccinating their children in Jordan. A significant proportion of the parents did not trust their child’s doctor, felt uncomfortable discussing vaccine concerns with their child’s doctor, and expressed concerns about the effectiveness and serious side effects of vaccines. Trust‐building, customized communication, health education, proactive communication approaches, and training doctors on vaccine communications are recommended to enhance parental acceptance and understanding of vaccines and increase positive attitudes toward them.