Parent and adolescent perspectives about adolescent vaccine delivery: practical considerations for vaccine communication.

We surveyed parents of adolescents (n=430) and their adolescents ages 15-17 years (n=208) in 9 primary-care settings in Monroe County, NY to assess perceptions about adolescent vaccine delivery. Parents and adolescents most wanted to discuss vaccine side effects and the diseases prevented with the adolescents' provider. Those who perceived vaccines as very safe were more accepting of adolescent vaccines. Most participants agreed with vaccinating the teen during a mild illness and with providing multiple vaccines concomitantly. Participants most preferred medical, as opposed to other settings, for receipt of adolescent vaccines. For parents and adolescents who are wary of vaccination, strategies are needed to enhance communication about risks and benefits of vaccinations.