Heart vs. Head: What Rules Parents' Decisions to Vaccinate their Children?

New Poll Shows Parents' Struggle to Balance Emotional and Rational Aspects of Immunization

TORONTO, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - Back-to-school is in full swing and parents are breathing a collective sigh of relief now that their kids are back in the classroom. But with the back-to-school rush comes the reminder that immunizations must be updated - and that thought has parents filled with anything but relief.  In fact, according to a new poll of Ontarians, parents struggle emotionally with immunizing their children - and themselves - before making the decision to do so.

Parental pressures:
A new survey from the Ontario College of Family Physicians shows that nerves, pressure, guilt, and fear are among the conflicting emotions parents face when making immunization decisions.  And while the majority of parents know it's the right decision based on years of hard data and science, their emotions often cause an internal debate before any decision is made.

An apple a day…
"Family physicians know that a parents' decision to immunize their child is not taken lightly - it can be an extremely stressful process," says Dr. Val Rachlis, family physician and past president of the Ontario College of Family Physicians.  "The realities of back-to-school means children once again face a higher risk of infections as they're often in tight quarters with lots of other kids. Parents need to find out how they can protect their children and themselves from vaccine-preventable diseases."

Protecting the Wee and the Me
Parents tend to place greater importance on immunizing their children, rather than themselves - but the need for vaccination does not end after childhood. 

Interview opportunity on September 15, 2010
Speak with family physician Dr. Val Rachlis, or Jan Kasperski, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario College of Family Physicians and learn:

• Measuring Mindsets: New statistics demonstrating Ontarians' feelings and beliefs on immunization
• Tackling Truths: Immunization myths and facts
• Fear Factor: What fears top the list for parents when it comes time to make the decision to immunize
• September Swing: Top immunizations required for back-to-school - and for Mom and Dad, too!

Spokespeople are available in Toronto, London and Ottawa and video footage will be available on September 15^th.

For further information:

Jaclyn Crawford                Jan Kasperski
416-969-2728                   The Ontario College of Family Physicians
                                       416 867-9646
                                        [email protected]