Parents' Intentions to Vaccinate Their Children Against COVID-19

J Pediatr Health Care. 2021 Sep-Oct;35(5):509-517. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.04.005. Epub 2021 Jul 1.

Abstract

Introduction: With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway now beginning in children ages 12 and over, it is unknown what percent of parents plan to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

Method: The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine parents' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in administering a COVID-19 vaccine.

Results: Only 21.93% of the subjects reported overall VH. Half of parents (49.45%) say they want the COVID vaccine for their child, and 44.17% plan to vaccinate against COVID once the vaccine becomes available to them. Concern for vaccine side effects (61.5%) and vaccine safety (48.96%) were significant factors that increased VH. In addition, there was a significant correlation between parents who were planning to vaccinate their child against the flu and being less VH about a COVID-19 vaccine for their child.

Discussion: This is the first known study to describe parental perceptions' of COVID-19 VH and identify factors that increase VH for parents.

Keywords: COVID-19; parent-perceptions; vaccinations; vaccine hesitancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Parental Consent
  • Parents / psychology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines