Seren Stranger, Gail Fyanes, Andy Hyer
Introduction
- Exemption of Immunization Law: Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted a signed statement to school officials stating their objections on religious or other grounds shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.  (Russell, 2019)
- Idaho has one of the highest rates of vaccination exemption with numbers continually increasing. (Devitt, 2018)
Analysis/Data
- Respondents largely agreed that it is important for everyone to get the recommended vaccines (M=4.52 on a scale of 1 through 5).
- Overall, respondents tended to agree that their personal religious and/or philosophical beliefs do not influence them to be exempt from immunizations (M=1.44 on a scale of 1 through 5)
- A majority of respondents identifying in the younger age ranges do not support the exemption of immunization law in Idaho (see Figure 3).
Methods
- Observational study administered via Qualtrics.
- The study population is a sample of 33 adult students enrolled in HLTH 382.
- Students have access to survey by a shared anonymous link to Qualtrics via Blackboard in order to complete.
- Students provide consent at the beginning of survey by clicking an option that acknowledges their own informed consent.
- Statistical testing using chi-square test of percentages were used for the findings.
Gender
Religion and Vaccinations
- Respondents affiliated with a religion had higher rates of not supporting the exemption of immunization law in Idaho (see Figure 1).
- Respondents affiliated with atheism had an equal ratio of support and not supporting the exemption of immunization in Idaho (see Figure 1).
Age
Conclusions
- Religion is not related to whether or not undergraduate Boise State health students support the exemption of immunization law in Idaho.
- Respondents identifying with the younger age ranges tend to not support the exemption of immunization law more than the older age range who has a balanced ratio of support.
- A majority of respondents do not believe vaccines can cause more harm than good as well as do not support the exemption of immunization law.
- Further research could allow for a greater sample size with a variety of different majors involved instead of solely health.
Health Concerns
- A majority of the respondents disagree that vaccinations can cause more harm than good when related to the health of an individual.
- 70% of respondents reported they do not support the exemption of immunization law (see Figure 2).
Additional Information
For questions or comments about this research, contact Serena Stranger at serenastranger@u.boisestate.edu.