Parents’ and caregivers’ views on pediatric meningococcal disease and serogroup B vaccination

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the United States (US), the highest incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is among infants aged ≤ 1 year (y). While most IMD cases in US infants are caused by meningococcal serogroup B (MenB), there is no MenB vaccine approved or recommended for US children < 10 y. This study sought to understand general attitudes toward vaccination, knowledge of IMD, and MenB vaccine preferences among parents/caregivers of children ≤ 18 months. An online survey was conducted in November–December 2024 among US parents/caregivers of children ≤ 18 months. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively. Overall, 1,051 parents/caregivers participated in the study. Most parents’/caregivers’ children had received all age-appropriate immunizations (73.4%). Of the 266 respondents (25.3%) whose children had received some or no immunizations, 59.8% reported concerns regarding potential vaccine side effects. Most parents/caregivers were familiar with IMD, but knowledge gaps exist regarding its risk and presentation in infants. Two-thirds of parents/caregivers (66.3%) would accept a MenB vaccine for their child if it were included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule as optional and recommended by a healthcare provider (HCP); acceptance increased to 72.1% following receipt of IMD information. Perceived barriers to uptake of a potential MenB vaccine focused on HCP-driven communication and guidance. Most US parents/caregivers understood the importance of vaccination and indicated acceptance of a potential MenB vaccine for their child ≤ 18 months. This study highlights the critical role of HCPs in addressing concerns and knowledge gaps to promote IMD prevention in US children ≤ 18 months.