Factors Influencing Dengue Vaccine Acceptance Among Parents and Healthcare Workers in a Pediatric Setting in Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Dengue remains a major public health burden in Malaysia, with vaccination offering a promising strategy for control. Following conditional approval of the TAK-003 vaccine for individuals aged 4 years and above, understanding acceptance among public and healthcare workers is essential. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025 at a tertiary hospital in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Parents/guardians of pediatric patients and healthcare workers completed a questionnaire on vaccine acceptance, decision-making factors, and perceived promoters and barriers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 386 participants (57% parents/guardians, 43% healthcare workers), 59.8% expressed willingness to receive the vaccine, while 53.7% of parents/guardians were willing to vaccinate their children. The most important decision-making factors were vaccine efficacy, advice from healthcare professionals, and long-term safety. Promoters included fears of severe dengue and belief in vaccine efficacy, while barriers included potential side effects, long-term safety, and doubts about vaccine efficacy. No sociodemographic factor was significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION: This study, conducted within the first year of the dengue vaccine's approval in Malaysia, found a moderate level of acceptance. These early perceptions may evolve as awareness of the vaccine grows.