Exploration of Vaccination Attitudes Among Parents and Caregivers in a Rural Appalachian Health Clinic

Authors

Radwa Omar, Vanderbilt. University School of NursingFollow
Karen Hande, Vanderbilt University School of NursingFollow
Natasha McClure, Vanderbilt University School of NursingFollow

Corresponding Author

Karen Hande

karen.a.hande@vanderbilt.edu

Author Affiliations

Omar-Allen, Radwa, DNP, FNP-BC, Kentucky Friendly Care, 125 Lothbury Ave, Middlesboro, KY 40965

Natasha McClure, DNP, CPNP-PC, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 461 21^st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240

Karen Hande, PhD(c), DNP, ANP-BC, CNE, FAANP, ANEF; Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 461 21^st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240 ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1230-5672

Author Area of Expertise

Radwa Martin: nurse practitioner

Natasha McClure: nurse educator, nurse practitioner

Karen Hande: nurse educator, nurse practitioner

Abstract

At a rural Appalachian health clinic in Kentucky, 20% of patients under 18 years were not up to date with the CDC-recommended immunization schedule. Reasons parents or caregivers chose to delay or refuse their child’s immunizations were explored using the Caregiver Vaccination Attitude Scale. High levels of trust in the healthcare provider and self-reported vaccine knowledge highlight opportunities for rural healthcare providers to apply evidence-based communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and promote the safety and health of the entire community.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0402.07

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Omar R, Hande K, McClure N. Notes from the Field: Exploration of vaccination attitudes among parents and caregivers in a rural Appalachian health clinic. J Appalach Health 2022;4(2):86–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0402.07.