Vaccination Levels as Reported by US Pediatricians Remain Steady, According to New Data From InCrowd

While 61% Report No Change in Parents’ Adherence to Recommended Schedules; Parental Reservations on the Safety of Vaccinations Remain

BOSTON, MA August 17, 2016—US pediatricians are reporting a steady rate of vaccination among their patients in the last year, although there remains a level of uncertainty related to developmental delays, and a lack of education on this topic among parents of young children.  Data from a microsurvey performed by InCrowd,  a provider of real-time market intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare firms.

“As back to school season elevates vaccination levels as a public health issue, the new data underscore that the time is now to continue the dialogue,” said Diane Hayes, president and co-founder of InCrowd.  “Parent education regarding the safety of vaccines is imperative, with the CDC emphasizing that studies show no link between vaccines and autism, and the only study supporting a relationship being retracted.  During August’s National Immunization Month and always, the data reassert the need for clinicians to make sure that parents fully understand the seriousness of the risk to their child is left unvaccinated.”

The data from InCrowd shows that:

  •         61% of US pediatricians said they did not see a marked change in the number of patients receiving the recommended vaccination schedule.
  •         Yet 39% of pediatricians did indeed note a change in the number of patients receiving recommended vaccinations -with 71% of these reporting more patients receiving the recommended vaccinations, and 29% reporting fewer patients.
  •         The most common parental reservations expressed about vaccination to the surveyed pediatricians include

o   Developmental delays associated with autism, with 73% of pediatricians reporting their parents have expressed this concern

o   Concerns of parents that too many vaccines are given at one time, was reported by 69% of pediatrician respondents

o   Concerns over the ingredients in vaccinations, according to 51%, of the pediatrician respondents

  •         When asked some of the best ways that the healthcare industry could better inform parents about vaccination, 73% of pediatricians suggested public service ads in digital media, print or TV.  61% suggested social media campaigns, and 49% suggested allocating more time during patient visits to discuss vaccination concerns.

Click here to see infographic.