Parental Vaccine Hesitancy in Early Childhood: A Cross‐Sectional Study from Türkiye Using the WHO‐SAGE Scale

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has been increasing significantly in our country and around the world in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of parents of children in early childhood (0-5 years old) towards vaccines and, in parallel, to examine the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Material and Method: The sociodemographic characteristics of the parents with children under 5 years of age who visited our outpatient clinic were assessed, and they were asked to complete the vaccine hesitancy scale and the Vaccine Hesitancy Survey Questions (VHSQ), prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). Results: Of the 500 parents who participated in the study, 403 were included in the study after completing the forms in their entirety. In our study, the WHO/SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) mean score was found to be 23.27 ± 11.74. The mean lack of confidence score according to the scale was 14.97 ± 9.82. The mean risk factor score according to the scale was determined to be 8.38 ± 3.75. There was a significant correlation between vaccine hesitancy scores and education level, income level, and number of children. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that vaccine hesitancy is at a moderate level, and it is necessary to increase parents' confidence in vaccines, strengthen information sources, and provide scientific explanations for fears of side effects. Strategies such as education, providing information, and enhancing communication with healthcare personnel can be recommended.