Acceptability of microneedle-patch vaccines: A qualitative analysis of the opinions of parents

Abstract

This is the first study to explore parental acceptance of microneedle-patch vaccines. Capturing the opinions of parents, the ultimate decision makers in paediatric vaccination, is crucial in the understanding of the eventual uptake of microneedle technology and therefore adds to literature currently available. This study has revealed that even "vaccine-acceptors"; parents who agree with, or do not question vaccination, will question the safety and efficacy of this novel method. Participants in this study remained tentative. However, the study has also revealed that endorsement by healthcare professionals could reduce this tentativeness, thereby identifying the role of healthcare professionals in disseminating information and providing support to parents. An increased awareness of developments in microneedle technology is needed to permit informed decision-making by parents.