Investigating the state of vaccine confidence among the general public and parents with children up to 13 years in Flanders (Belgium).

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore vaccine confidence, a factor influencing vaccination uptake, in Flanders (Belgium) during November 2023. The study evaluated confidence in vaccines generally and in specific vaccines: MMR, HPV, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 1500 individuals: 1000 from the general population (>18 years) and 500 parents with children (≤13 years). Vaccine confidence was measured using the Vaccine Confidence Index™ (VCI). Weighted analysis and multivariable binary logistic regressions were employed to explore the association between sociodemographic and other potential predictors influencing vaccine confidence.

RESULTS

The results showed that 77.9 % (CI 75.0-80.8) of the general population and 81.6 % (CI 76.5-86.6) of parents considered vaccines to be generally safe, while >80 % of both groups saw them as effective and important for children. A total of 56.9 % (CI 53.2-60.6) of the general population and 64.5 % (CI 54.5-74.5) of the parents agreed that vaccines are important, safe, effective, and compatible with their beliefs. Lower VCI scores were observed for COVID-19 (52.1 % (CI 48.2-55.9)) and HPV vaccines (56.2 % (CI 52.2-60.2)) in the general population, and for COVID-19 (50.2 % (CI 39.4-61.0)) and influenza vaccines (61.7 % (CI 51.5-72.0)) among parents. Higher VCI scores were observed in older generations (>45 years) and higher-educated individuals.

CONCLUSION

Most participants are confident in vaccines. While quantitative monitoring has been conducted across Europe, including in Belgium, this monitoring study focuses on Flanders, providing a valuable baseline for future reference. Longitudinal research, preferably including also qualitative research, is needed to further understand trends and how to build and sustain confidence in Flanders.