The relationship between parental source of information and knowledge about measles / measles vaccine and vaccine hesitancy

•Correct knowledge about measles was associated with timely vaccine administration.•Those looking to internet/social media for information had less correct knowledge.•Those looking to internet/social media for information were more vaccine hesitant.•Focused interventions using social media and internet platforms are suggested. Based on the hypothesis that sources of information might affect knowledge and vaccine acceptance, our objectives were to study parental characteristics and sources of information regarding measles/measles vaccine, its relationship to correct knowledge and to administration of the measles vaccine. Although measles eradication is potentially achievable, in 2018–2019 a worldwide resurgence of measles and measles-caused deaths occurred. The main driver was incomplete or no vaccination, designated as vaccine hesitancy (VH). A cross-sectional survey of 399 individuals dispersed all over the country was conducted. Research assistants interviewed parents with a 20-question survey which was previously validated. The questionnaire included four sections: demographics, major sources of information on measles/measles vaccine, knowledge about measles/measles vaccine, and status of child’s vaccination. Univariate and multivariate analyses explored associations between correct knowledge and VH. The majority of respondents were between the ages of 25–39 (62%). Of these, 309 (77%) vaccinated their children against measles on time, 32 (8%) vaccinations were incomplete, and 58 (15%) did not vaccinate, for a total VH of 23%. Parents