Report on the Investigating Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy in Makkah, KSA

Vaccine hesitancy is a concept frequently used in the discourse around vaccine acceptance. This
study reflects on the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, through a study focusing on
knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among parents of young children. A cross-sectional study was
carried out in seven primary schools In Makkah city, Saud Arabia. Data were collected in 2017
through a computer based-survey administered to 100 parents with children aged between 2 months
and 17 years of age. Questionnaire responses were analysed using Minitab. Many parents (with a
total of 292 children) agreed on the importance of vaccinations, to protect their children’s health and to
prevent the spread of diseases in the community. Most parents reported their child had received all
recommended vaccines. Approximately one third of parents indicated their hesitation in having their
child vaccinated. The lack of vaccines in primary care centres, a fear of adverse events and vaccine
safety were the reasons most frequently mentioned by these vaccine-hesitant parents. Other parents
complained about the increasingly 'crowded' vaccination schedules. A minority of parents believe that
vaccines did not prevent the spread of disease in the community (P<0.05). Vaccine hesitancy is a
common problem in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Further research will be needed to better understand
when, how and why these beliefs are formed.