Beyond hesitancy: what parents told us about childhood vaccinations

Healthwatch Bath, Healthwatch Swindon and Healthwatch Wiltshire undertook research to understand parental attitudes to childhood vaccinations. The research involved in‑depth conversations with ten parents and carers drawn from resettled families, military families, and the wider local community. Their perspectives were analysed to understand the factors shaping vaccine uptake and identify ways services could better support families.

Childhood vaccination uptake has been declining across England, and the report emphasises that parents’ decisions are rarely based solely on scientific information. Instead, they are shaped by trust, personal values, cultural background, and the practicality of accessing appointments. 

Resettled families, particularly those from countries with compulsory vaccination systems, often assumed UK vaccines were mandatory and generally expressed strong trust in clinicians. However, they faced barriers such as unfamiliar health systems and language challenges. They said they would benefit from translated materials, interpreters, clearer information about voluntary vaccination, and community‑based clinics. 

Military families described difficulties linked to frequent moves, including disrupted appointment schedules and lost vaccination records. They suggested improvements such as rapid transfer of records, automatic catch‑up invitations, and welcome packs explaining how to book local clinics. 

Parents from the broader community highlighted four main influences on their decision‑making. First, trust in authorities varied widely; while some fully accepted clinical advice, others felt that inconsistent messaging—especially during the COVID‑19 pandemic—damaged their confidence. Second, many framed their choices in moral terms, weighing responsibility to the community against their own protective instincts. Third, perceptions of risk and uncertainty played a strong role, particularly when evaluating new vaccines or relying on peer discussions and personal experiences. Finally, the practical structure of access significantly shaped behaviour: challenges such as busy phone lines, complex booking systems, long waits, and sensory‑unfriendly environments made it harder for some families to attend appointments. 

Common issues cutting across all groups included the importance of trust, respectful communication, and easy, equitable access. The design of clinics and booking systems could either reduce or exacerbate inequalities. 

The report offers practical tips to help parents navigate the system, including exploring online or walk‑in options, requesting reasonable adjustments, using official NHS information sources, and rebooking missed appointments.