[So dangerous are not measles, mumps and rubella...A qualitative survey of causes of MMR vaccination refusal in the county of Vejle]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate why parents in one county of Denmark leave vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) undone, with special reference to evaluating the possibilities of increasing the acceptance of the MMR vaccination program.

Materials and methods: Data were collected through semi-structured, tape-recorded telephone interviews. The interviewees were 17 strategically chosen parents of children 15 months and 12 years old who had not received the MMR vaccination in 2002. The method of analysis was Systematic Text Condensation.

Results: The parents had consulted many sources in their search for information about MMR vaccination. Many referred to their own or others' good experiences with going through the natural illnesses and bad experiences with vaccination. It is a common view that naturally occurring illnesses strengthen the immunity more effectively than vaccination does, and this approach is preferred by some of the parents. The risk of vaccination is viewed as greater than that of going through the natural illnesses. This, however, is not in accordance with scientific knowledge. There was no evidence that leaving vaccination undone was due to the parents' lack of knowledge, forgetfulness or lack of interest in MMR vaccination, and it was rare that only one reason was mentioned.

Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that doctors can profit by preparing a dialogue with parents who are in doubt about MMR vaccination. Especially it seems that a profound knowledge of the scientific evidence of virus-caused diseases, of their risks and of immunology is necessary to balance parents' most essential misconceptions and their reasons for not choosing vaccination.