Personal Values As Mediators of Receipt of Non-influenza Childhood Vaccines

Understanding the factors related to parents’ compliance with the recommended childhood immunization schedule is important for maintaining high vaccination coverage. Previous research indicates personal values, defined as parents’ interests, concerns, wants, and needs, may influence immunization decisions. This study aimed to identify if personal values differences existed between parents who complied with recommendations for their child to get specific pediatric vaccines and those who did not. A national survey of 886 parents of children <7 years old was conducted in 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analyses involving three vaccines that vary in terms of dosing, timing, and administration. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), H. influenza type b (Hib) and Rotavirus (RV) were used to examine whether personal values (taken from Kahle’s list of values and measured using a 1–5 Likert scale, where 1=not at all important, 5=very important) characterized differences in parental recall of vaccine receipt and non-receipt for their children. Receipt of specific vaccines was associated with value differences. MMR and RV receipt were associated with placing value on “having warm relationships with others” (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.00; OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.30, respectively). Placing value on “a life of excitement” was associated with decreased odds of reported MMR receipt (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.81). Parents placing importance on “self-fulfillment in life” had higher odds of reporting Hib receipt (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.54) than parents placing importance on “self-respect” (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.73). Personal value differences may exist between parents who accept recommended childhood vaccinations and those who do not. Parents who value having “warm relationships with others” and “self-fulfillment” may be more likely to follow recommendations to avoid confrontation with pediatricians. Parents who place higher importance on “self-respect” and “excitement” may be more likely to decline vaccinations for their child because they value autonomy, personal power, and voicing their opinions in decision-making. All authors: No reported disclosures.