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PARENTAL DECISION-MAKING AND RSV IMMUNIZATION: BIOETHICAL AND QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS FROM NORTH PHILADELPHIA
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Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2025-05
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Urban Bioethics
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https://doi.org/10.34944/tkvn-x422
Abstract
Childhood immunization remains a critical issue within the evolving landscape of public health. This thesis explores the complexities surrounding immunization acceptance, with a particular focus on the introduction of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization, Beyfortus. Given the decline in childhood immunization rates across various demographics, the thesis seeks to understand the factors influencing parents' decisions regarding immunization. Through a combination of literature review and qualitative interviews, this research examines how geographic location, culture, politics, socioeconomic status, historical medical mistrust, and misinformation shape immunization hesitancy. Findings from the qualitative interviews reveal that parents' decisions are strongly influenced by personal experiences with illness and immunizations, with RSV illness driving immunization uptake and negative experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine contributing to hesitancy. Social media and political influence played a lesser role in RSV immunization compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust in healthcare providers was higher than expected; however, many parents still relied on inconsistent online sources, highlighting the need for centralized, credible immunization information. Despite trust in healthcare providers, historical medical injustices and unethical practices have fostered lasting mistrust, especially within marginalized communities, which is further exacerbated by misinformation and inconsistent messaging. The thesis also explores bioethical principles in childhood immunization, particularly with respect to requiring Beyfortus for newborn RSV protection. Finally, this thesis suggests several policy implementations to increase immunization rates, including routine RSV immunization in hospitals, prenatal education, and follow-up during pediatric visits. These strategies, combined with enhanced public trust and more accurate messaging, could play a crucial role in improving immunization uptake.
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