Parents’ Experiences and Nurses’ Perceptions of Decision-Making About Childhood Immunization

Abstract

Background Immunization in Canada is recommended not mandated, granting parents discretionary decision-making power regarding their child’s immunization status. Uptake of childhood immunization at present falls below national targets. Nurses who interact with parents in the clinical setting may witness parents’ decision-making experiences, attitudes, and opinions inclusive of vaccine hesitancy. Purpose The aim of this study is to understand parents’ and nurses’ experiences of decision-making about childhood immunization, specifically measles-mumps-rubella and/or diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis. Methods Thorne’s interpretative description approach was used to understand parents’ and nurses’ experiences and perspectives about immunization. The sample was 6 nurses and 16 parents residing in northeastern Ontario. Results Common to all participants was the goal of protection. Motivated by child protection, parents carried out three broad actions, searching for information, deliberating the information and sources to determine the relative benefits and risks of immunization, and bearing responsibility for their decision to accept, delay, or decline immunization. Nurses were motivated by child protection and population health. Conclusion Implications for nursing included integration of immunization competencies in nursing curricula, ongoing professional development, validation of parental actions for child protection, nurse-led education sessions, and engaging parents through social media to support access to reputable information.