As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and children, understanding parental attitudes and likely acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is essential. We conducted a statewide survey with a representative sample of parents in Tennessee focused on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine acceptance and perspectives. Data from 1066 parents were analyzed using weighted survey methods to generalize results to the state of Tennessee. About 53% of parents reported a likelihood to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, and 45% were likely to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 and influenza. Female parents were less likely to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, but the strongest predictor of likely COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was influenza vaccine acceptance (adjusted odds ratio = 5.46; 95% confidence interval: 3.20-9.30). Parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines for children is closely tied to influenza vaccine acceptance. Public health approaches to maximize vaccine uptake could focus on children who have not been receiving influenza vaccines.
Keywords: COVID-19; influenza; kids; vaccination.