'Three Things Never to Talk About in Social Situations -- Religion, Politics, and Now Vaccines': A Pilot Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Vaccine-Refusing Parents in Nevada County, California

Recently, vaccine skepticism has increased and more parents are opting out of childhood vaccinations. The purpose of this study was to elicit the perspectives of vaccine-refusing parents in Nevada County, California, utilizing a convenience sample of six parents who participated in individual interviews. Participants expressed a socio-cultural phenomenon regarding their intertwined views on parenting, health, and vaccines. Their parenting views were child-centered, with a focus on raising healthy, perfect children. Their perspectives on parenting and health frame their decision to refuse vaccines. Their perspectives on vaccines include the following: vaccines contain many toxic, unhealthy ingredients; vaccine-preventable diseases do not pose a serious threat to their children; they do not trust traditional health sources to provide unbiased information; and they do not foresee any circumstance that would change their minds. The word NURSE can be a reminder of important factors when relating to vaccine-hesitant parents: Nurturing relationship; Understanding ear; Research-based; Selective; Education.