Examining the Impact of PACV Administration on Vaccine Hesitancy: a Randomized Control Trial, Houston, TX

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, parental immunization concerns continue to increase. Compared to parents who refuse all vaccines, vaccine-hesitant parents (VHP), defined as parents who are ambivalent towards vaccines, are of particular interest because they tend to be more amenable to vaccination. VHPs tend to be part of a larger group of parents with moderate vaccine concerns who seek additional information from their healthcare provider before deciding whether or not to immunize. These parents will sometimes immunize after education and reassurance from their provider. Alternatively, they may choose to delay or refuse certain vaccines. It is important to identify VHPs early in the medical relationship to provide effective communication and appropriate education regarding vaccine concerns in order to ensure maximum immunization coverage for the children of these parents.

The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey was previously developed to identify VHPs. In a follow up study, the survey was validated and found to be a reliable instrument in identifying VHPs. The PACV survey differs from other survey instruments in that it seeks to specifically identify VHPs. Moreover, the survey was found to be a reliable predictor of immunization status with higher total PACV scores associated with under-immunization.5 It is unknown if administering the PACV survey can have a negative impact on parental immunization beliefs or if the PACV survey can elicit vaccine concerns that otherwise would not have been present at that point in time.

Study enrollment will occur among parents/guardians of children who are scheduled at a Texas Children's Pediatric practice for an 2-week well child visit. Parents/guardians of children will receive an enrollment packet containing a self-screening form, cover letter, and survey from the practice staff at their appointment check-in. Parents will be randomized to receive 1 of 2 surveys - either the PACV or a placebo survey about general childhood health topics. Upon receipt of the enrollment packet, the parent/guardian will be asked to complete a self-screening form to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. If the parent/guardian does not meet eligibility criteria the self-screening form will direct them to return the enrollment packet unopened to the front desk staff. Parents/guardians of children meeting eligibility criteria will be directed to open the enrollment packet and complete the survey. The PACV survey will then be administered to all subjects six months following the initial survey administration.

Prevalence of vaccine hesitancy will be calculated for each group (initial PACV or placebo survey) separately and then for both groups combined. PACV scores calculated from the second administration at 6 months will be compared across groups to evaluate if administration of the PACV increases vaccine hesitancy.

Inclusion criteria: