Abstract
Uptake of MMR vaccinations is as low as 60% in some parts of the UK. This poses a serious public health issue. This longitudinal study investigates parental decisions about MMR and single vaccinations. Parents (n = 114) rated their perceptions of the benefits and risks of immunisation, and emotion-related variables; and were followed up to ask their final immunisation decision. Analyses demonstrated that parental decisions were explained by emotion-related variables, specifically anticipated responsibility and regret. It was concluded that parents' decisions about MMR are strongly influenced by the idea than harm that occurs as a result of deciding to immunise (commission) is less acceptable than harm that occurs as a result of deciding not to immunise (omission) (known as 'omission bias'). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1428 - 1433 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Vaccine |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 10 Feb 2005 |