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. 2021 May;68(5):869-872.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.02.013. Epub 2021 Apr 3.

National Study of Youth Opinions on Vaccination for COVID-19 in the U.S

Eric J Brandt  1 , Julia Rosenberg  2 , Marika E Waselewski  3 , Xochitl Amaro  4 , Jacob Wasag  3 , Tammy Chang  5
Affiliations

National Study of Youth Opinions on Vaccination for COVID-19 in the U.S

Eric J Brandt et al. J Adolesc Health. 2021 May.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination among youth.

Methods: Open-ended questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were posed to a national cohort of 14- to 24-year-olds (October 30, 2020). Responses were coded through qualitative thematic analysis. Multivariable logistic regression tested the association of demographic characteristics with vaccination unwillingness.

Results: Among 911 respondents (response rate = 79.4%), 75.9% reported willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 42.7% had unconditional willingness, and 33.3% were conditionally willing, of which the majority (80.7%) were willing if experts deemed vaccination safe and recommended. Preferred vaccine information sources were medical organizations (42.3%; CDC, WHO) and health care professionals (31.7%). Frequent concerns with vaccination included side effects (36.2%) and efficacy (20.1%). Race predicted vaccination unwillingness (Black: odds ratio = 3.31; and Asian: odds ratio = .46, compared with white, p < .001).

Conclusion: Most youth in our national sample were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when they believe it is safe and recommended. Public health experts and organizations must generate youth-centered materials that directly address their vaccination concerns.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mixed methods; Vaccine; Youth.

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Graphical abstract
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Comment in

  • Responding to Youth Opinions on Vaccination with Better Interventions.
    Reid RM, Vir-Leah Williams A, Bayer CR. Reid RM, et al. J Adolesc Health. 2021 Dec;69(6):1048. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.08.008. J Adolesc Health. 2021. PMID: 34809849 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • The Authors Respond.
    Brandt EJ, Chang T. Brandt EJ, et al. J Adolesc Health. 2021 Dec;69(6):1049. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.08.019. J Adolesc Health. 2021. PMID: 34809850 No abstract available.

References

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    1. Question Bank: COVID-19 vaccines. https://hearmyvoicenow.org/questionbank/?SingleProduct=99 Available at: Published 2020. Updated October 23, 2020. Accessed November 26, 2020.

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