Intentions to use a novel Zika vaccine: the effects of misbeliefs about the MMR vaccine and perceptions about Zika

People's intentions to use vaccines are influenced by their beliefs about both the specific vaccine and the disease it prevents. In the absence of firm beliefs about Zika virus (ZIKV), individuals may base their intentions to vaccinate against it on beliefs about other vaccines, and specificall...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public health (Oxford, England) England), 2018-12, Vol.40 (4), p.e531-e537
Main Authors: Ophir, Yotam, Jamieson, Kathleen Hall
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Autistic Disorder - etiology
Educational Status
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Intention
Interventions (preventive) (online only)
Male
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine - adverse effects
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine - therapeutic use
Middle Aged
Original
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
Viral Vaccines - therapeutic use
Young Adult
Zika Virus
Zika Virus Infection - prevention & control
Zika Virus Infection - psychology
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Summary:People's intentions to use vaccines are influenced by their beliefs about both the specific vaccine and the disease it prevents. In the absence of firm beliefs about Zika virus (ZIKV), individuals may base their intentions to vaccinate against it on beliefs about other vaccines, and specifically the misbelief that MMR causes autism. A survey of 3337 Americans, using a random-digit-dialing sample of landline telephone households and cell-phones. Intentions to use a Zika vaccine were influenced by beliefs about Zika, science in general, and MMR. Intentions were positively influenced by perceived severity of and vulnerability to Zika, as well as belief in science's efficacy. However, intentions were negatively influenced by the belief that MMR causes autism in children. The misbelief about MMR and autism may reduce people's intentions to use a new Zika vaccine. However, perceptions of severity of and vulnerability to Zika may increase intentions. Implications for science educators and public health officials are discussed.
ISSN:1741-3842
1741-3850
DOI:10.1093/pubmed/fdy042