Table 4.

Participants’ written comments explaining pre vs. post-discussion vaccine safety ratings for babies

Theme	Comment
Pre-discussion
Benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks	I think the safety concerns of vaccines for children are overstated and the benefit (kid not getting sick & dying) outweighs the risk. Living baby>dead baby
Vaccines keep babies safe	Vaccines help to keep babies safe when they don’t quite yet have the immunity to fight certain illnesses
Generally safe: allergic reactions	Overall, I think vaccines are safe for babies to prevent diseases in the future. The only issue is unknown allergic reactions. But the benefit is better than risk
Generally safe: side effects AEFI are rare	In my experience, babies can have short-term discomfort but vaccines are overall safe
Generally safe: side effects AEFI are rare	I don’t like the chicken pox vaccine. I would have preferred my kids get their immunity by contracting it b/c its worse to get as an adult. I believe the motivating factor was to keep kids in school as opposed to for their health. Children that get chicken pox provide a natural booster for adults chicken pox is worse if your an adult & I worry that the vaccine will not protect them in adulthood. Many adults aren’t always good at going to Dr. & keeping up w/vaccines.
Disease prevention	It can keep babies healthy & avoid spreading illness
Personal experience	I received vaccines as a youngster and did not contract any childhood illnesses. They are safe
Scientific rigor	Vaccines are constantly tested and improved to avoid any negative consequences. They are made in a meticulous and precise way. There has been no significant scientific link to any negative effects.
Post-discussion
No change	My opinions regarding the safety and effectiveness have not changed. But! I now have hope that they are destined to become safer & more effective. [drew a peace sign] No change, still think very safe. More research = increase safety
Adverse reactions rarely occur	There will always be some with adverse reactions