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Perceptions Of Dengue Risk And Acceptability Of A Dengue Vaccine In Residents Of Puerto Rico, Coral Rosado-Santiago, Carmen L. Pérez-Guerra, Nicole M. Vélez-Agosto, Claudia Colón-Burgos, Karla M. Marrero-Santos, Susanna K. Partridge, Amy E. Lockwood, Cathy Young, Steve H. Waterman, Gabriela Paz-Bailey

Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Dengvaxia is the first dengue vaccine recommended in the United States (U.S.). It is recommended for children aged 9–16 y with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and living in areas where dengue is endemic. We conducted focus groups with parents and in-depth interviews with key informants (i.e. practicing pediatricians, physicians from immunization clinics, university researchers, and school officials) in Puerto Rico (P.R.) to examine acceptability, barriers, and motivators to vaccinate with Dengvaxia. We also carried out informal meetings and semi-structured interviews to evaluate key messages and educational materials with pediatricians and parents. Barriers to vaccination included lack of information, distrust toward …