adolescent vaccine hesitancy
Reluctance or refusal by adolescents or their parents to receive recommended immunizations during teenage years.
Full Definition
Adolescent vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay in acceptance or refusal of recommended vaccines during the teenage years, which may stem from the adolescent, parent, or both. This phenomenon is particularly relevant for vaccines introduced during adolescence such as HPV, meningococcal, and Tdap vaccines. Factors contributing to hesitancy include concerns about vaccine safety, perceived low disease risk, religious or philosophical objections, and social influences. Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires sensitive communication, shared decision-making, and evidence-based counseling tailored to specific concerns.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from medical contraindications or true vaccine refusal.
In Context
- "The clinic developed specific protocols to address adolescent vaccine hesitancy through enhanced counseling." — Quality improvement documentation
- "Adolescent vaccine hesitancy rates varied significantly based on socioeconomic factors in the study population." — Research publication