Predicting uptake of MMR vaccination: a prospective questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND Recent years have seen a decline in the uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. AIM To describe parents' beliefs about the MMR vaccination and to explore the best predictors of uptake by the age of 2 years. DESIGN OF STUDY Prospective questionnaire study. SETTING Brighton and Hove area of East Sussex. METHOD Five hundred and eleven parents (response rate = 56.9%) completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their profile characteristics, beliefs about MMR and previous vaccination history prior to receiving a letter to attend for their child's vaccination. Attendance data was collected at follow-up by the age of 2 years. RESULTS The majority of parents believed that measles, mumps and rubella were serious illnesses and stated that they would feel guilty about any adverse consequences of their decision about vaccination. Many responders were ambivalent about the benefit of vaccinations and were unsure whether to trust either the medical profession or the media. Uptake of MMR vaccination at follow-up was related to previous uptake for vaccination, increased faith in the medical profession, increased faith in the media, and a lower belief that vaccination is unhealthy and can harm the immune system. CONCLUSION Many parents hold mixed beliefs about the MMR vaccination and the doctors who administer it. Uptake relates to past vaccination and more positive beliefs.