Vaccination Exemption Laws' Influence on Physicians' Attitude Toward Alternative Vaccination Schedules

An increasing number of parents are choosing to delay or forgo certain vaccines for their children through requests for alternative vaccine schedules. While this choice is often based upon vaccine safety concerns, delaying vaccination puts children at unnecessary risk without a clear benefit.  This study investigates physician and practice-level characteristics associated with pediatricians’ acceptance of alternative vaccine schedules in contrast with the recommended vaccine schedule and measures the association of state vaccine exemption laws and regulations on a pediatrician’s decision to accept an alternative vaccine schedule. Using survey methodology, we conducted a cross sectional study among a sample of pediatric providers in states with exemption policies of varying degrees of leniency. We hypothesize that pediatricians in states with more lenient vaccine exemption policies will be more likely to grant alternative vaccine schedules. Furthermore, we hypothesize that younger pediatricians as well as pediatricians who are uncomfortable addressing vaccine concerns will be more likely to permit an alternative vaccine schedule. A better understanding of the multiple factors impacting pediatricians’ decision to endorse alternative vaccine schedules can inform the development of initiatives targeting both pediatricians and state policymakers and legislators to promote adherence to the recommended schedule. Preliminary analysis of results revealed an association. between vaccination law leniency and provider attitutes toward alternative vaccination schedules. Preliminary results suggest pediatricians in states with more lenient exemption policies are more likely to grant or suggest an alternative vaccination schedule. More detailed statistical analysis will be conducted to better determine the statistical association between variables.