Duration of symptoms post COVID-19 vaccination as a factor influencing Jordanian mothers’ refusal of the new Measles-Rubella vaccine: a comprehensive cross-sectional study

The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was introduced in Jordan in 2023 in response to declining measles vaccination rates and increasing outbreak cases following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess MR vaccine refusal rates among Jordanian mothers and explore factors influencing their decision-making, particularly the impact of their experiences with COVID-19 vaccination.

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between October and November, targeting mothers of children eligible for the MR vaccine in Jordan. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed online through social media platforms, collecting data on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward the MR vaccine. Descriptive statistics were used, and associations between demographic factors and vaccine agreement were assessed using chi-square tests.

Among 2392 participating mothers, 83% refused to vaccinate their children with the MR vaccine. Refusal rates were significantly associated with maternal experiences of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination (p < 0.001), education level (p = 0.039), occupation (p = 0.001), and the age of the youngest child (p < 0.001). Mothers working in the healthcare sector showed slightly higher acceptance rates, though overall refusal remained high. Key reasons for refusal included distrust in the vaccine, concerns about side effects, and the belief that the MR vaccine was unnecessary if their child had received the MMR vaccine.

The study reveals a concerning trend of MR vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian mothers, influenced by experiences with COVID-19 vaccination and prevalent misinformation. Addressing these challenges through targeted educational campaigns is essential to improving vaccine uptake and prevent future measles outbreaks.