Data from the 2003 HealthStyles mailed national household survey was used to determine differences in parental beliefs about vaccinations and the type of school their youngest school-age child attended.  The study categorized school types as public (including charter), private (religious or non-religious) or home.  The youngest child was chosen as the focus because vaccination history and parental beliefs would likely be the most recent.

In this group of 936 parents (69% response rate), the child’s type of school was public (82%), private (15%), or home (3%).  Most participants reported being white race across all types of school.

In general, 73% of these parents thought vaccines were safe or very safe, but the percentage was significantly lower for homeschooling parents (52%) compared to public or private school parents.  Homeschooling parents were more likely (30%) to be concerned that vaccines may cause learning disabilities than public (13%) or private (18%) school parents. Homeschooling parents were also more likely (25%) to be concerned that vaccines are given for non-serious conditions than public (10%) or private (4%) school parents. The pattern was similar for views that vaccine were given for conditions that children are unlikely to get.

Only 19% of homeschooling parents trusted the federal government to set policy for childhood vaccines as compared to at least 57% for public or private school parents. Two-thirds of homeschooling parents trust vaccine advice from their child’s health care provider. Nearly 60% of homeschooling parents would have their child vaccinated even if it was not required for school, but over 40% believed that states should grant exemptions for personal beliefs.  Over one-third of parents in each group (range: 36 to 44%) did not believe they have enough information to make good vaccination decisions.

While the sample had relatively few homeschooling parents, a substantial number of parents reported concern about vaccine safety or usefulness irrespective of school type. The authors recommended identifying credible sources of information for homeschooling parents (such as the homeschooling organizations) and methods to assure that all parents have adequate information about vaccines.

(Kennedy A. and Gust D. J Sch Health. 2005;75(7):276-280)

Comments: Young parents have less experience with conditions such as measles and even chickenpox, so there is concern that they recognize the preventive value of this public health policy. By the way, have you had a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster within the last ten years?   --J.O.