Introduction

Vaccination is an important prophylactic strategy. However, recent years have seen the growth of antivaccination movements whose popularity has been driven by access to the Internet. The present study examines the influence of these antivaccination movements on attitudes towards vaccination by Polish families.

Material and methods

Surveys of vaccination beliefs and knowledge, and popular antivaccination opinions (n = 278) were completed by parents of patients on a paediatric ward and subjected to analysis (response rate = 56%).

Results

More than half the returned surveys (n = 156; 56.12%) indicated awareness of the existence of antivaccination movements. One third (n = 91; 32.73%) reported knowing antivaccine proponents in their social circle. Approximately half (n = 126; 45.32%) were familiar with antivaccination arguments. Awareness of antivaccination movements, knowing their proponents, and familiarity with their arguments were found to be significantly correlated with living in a large city (appropriately p < 0.004, p < 0.003, p < 0.0003), having a higher income (p < 0.004, p < 0.001, p < 0.0009), and a higher education level (p < 0.000001, p < 0.008, p < 0.000001). Knowledge about the antivaccination movements had an influence on parental beliefs regarding vaccination. Familiarity with anti-vaccine arguments and personal familiarity with anti-vaccine proponents was related to the belief that vaccines caused serious complications (p < 0.01 and p < 0.02, respectively). The performance of compulsory vaccination in children was negatively related with familiarity with antivaccination proponents (98.4% vs. 92.31%, p < 0.05) and with knowing their arguments (100% vs. 92.06%, p < 0.05). However, most parents who reported familiarity with antivaccination movements (53.85% vs. 40.16%, p < 0.05) or antivaccination proponents (65.94 vs. 39.04%, p <0.0001), or their views (59.52% vs.38.16%, p < 0.001), still performed these vaccinations.

Conclusions

Knowledge about the existence of antivaccination movements influences parental attitudes towards vaccination. Because many people with high awareness of vaccinations and access to them are familiar with antivaccination arguments, this group should be especially included in professional educational activities regarding vaccination.