Vaccine hesitancy among parents of Moroccan and Turkish descent in Rotterdam, the Netherlands; a qualitative study into barriers of childhood vaccinations

Vaccination rates among children of Moroccan and Turkish descent in the Netherlands have declined sharply in the past decade, with many parents who previously vaccinated their older children now discontinuing vaccination for their younger children. This qualitative study explored perceptions, barriers and facilitators related to childhood vaccination in these communities. We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 mothers of Moroccan and Turkish descent, half of whom had stopped vaccinating their youngest child. Lack of confidence emerged as the most prominent barrier: mothers expressed fears of both short-term and long-term side effects, and distrust fueled by overly positive messaging and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Complacency was reflected in low awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases, low perceived risk, and the belief that a vaccine is not worthwhile unless it offers 100% protection. Social media played a central role in generating doubts, often leading to intensive information seeking and vaccine refusal, while the influence of the social circle could support either acceptance or refusal. No religious or structural constraints were reported. Declining vaccination in these groups appears to be driven primarily by diminishing confidence, amplified by misinformation and unmet informational needs. Interventions should therefore prioritize transparent and balanced communication, explicitly addressing both common and serious side effects. Narrative-based approaches, and tools such as simplified package leaflets and trustworthy AI chatbots, may help parents navigate complex vaccine information. Community-based strategies involving trusted local key figures and familiar settings are essential to rebuilding trust and supporting both hesitant and refusing parents.