School of Medicine

The practice of vaccine delay and refusal has recently held the attention of the medical community, most notably due to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. It is a loaded subject both for parents/guardians and pediatricians; to the point of pediatricians being more likely to dismiss families who refuse vaccinations for their children. Within the field of pediatrics, this is a topic that poses a threat to the physician-patient relationshp. Studies have shown an increase in vaccine refusals in the last decade; therefore, further examination of the reasons behind this decision remains key in better understanding what drives this decision when made by some parents and guardians. This survey will attempt to cite the most common reasons for this decision directly from parents/guardians, as well as to examine if there is any significant difference between the degree of trust in pediatricians amonst parents/guardians who refuse or delay vaccines when compared to non-refusing parents/guardians. The ultimate goal of such a survey will be to better understand the "why" behind parental vaccine delay and refusal. Ultimately it is unquestioned that both sides want the best for the child and patient; the hope of this survey is to better understand the gap between the two sides.