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. 2021 Oct;148(4):e2021052335.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-052335. Epub 2021 Aug 3.

Parents' Intentions and Perceptions About COVID-19 Vaccination for Their Children: Results From a National Survey

Peter G Szilagyi  1 , Megha D Shah  2 , Jeanne R Delgado  3 , Kyla Thomas  4 , Nathalie Vizueta  3 , Yan Cui  2 , Sitaram Vangala  5 , Rashmi Shetgiri  2 , Arie Kapteyn  4
Affiliations

Parents' Intentions and Perceptions About COVID-19 Vaccination for Their Children: Results From a National Survey

Peter G Szilagyi et al. Pediatrics. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: Assess the degree to which US parents are likely to have their children get coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and identify parental concerns about the vaccines.

Methods: In February 2021 to March 2021, we surveyed parent members of a nationally representative probability-based Internet panel of ∼9000 adults regarding their intent to have their children receive a COVID-19 vaccination, perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines for children, and trust in sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines for children. We used descriptive and multivariate analyses to evaluate parent-stated likelihood of having their children get a COVID-19 vaccine and to assess the association between likelihood of child COVID-19 vaccination and child age, parent demographics, and parental perceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Results: Altogether, 1745 parents responded (87% of eligible parents, 3759 children). Likelihood of child COVID-19 vaccination was as follows: very likely (28%), somewhat likely (18%), somewhat unlikely (9%), very unlikely (33%), and unsure (12%). The stated likelihood of child vaccination was greater among parents of older children (P < .001) as well as among parents who had a bachelor's degree or higher education (P < .001), had already received or were likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (P < .001), or had Democratic affiliation (P < .001); variations existed by race and ethnicity (P = .04). Parental concerns centered around vaccine safety and side effects. A key trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines for children was the child's doctor.

Conclusions: Less than one-half of US participants report that they are likely to have their child receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Pediatric health care providers have a major role in promoting and giving COVID-19 vaccination for children.

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Conflict of interest statement

POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Parents’ response to the question: “If a vaccine against the coronavirus becomes available for children, do you plan to get [Child’s name] vaccinated”?
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Parental perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination for their child from the 9-item modified Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS), adapted to COVID-19 vaccination for children.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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