COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among school children aged 12-14 years: A cross-sectional study from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract

Introduction: Universal coverage of COVID-19 vaccines is of paramount importance for the prevention and control of the pandemic. World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten global health threats. The study aims to find out the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among school children along with their parent's perspectives.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school children (aged 12-14 years) at two schools in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Data were collected via web-based links using a semi-structured questionnaire among students and their parents.

Results: Of 343 children, 79% (271) showed a strong willingness to get vaccinated. Around 91.8% (315) of parents agreed to get their children vaccinated. Fear of side effects (65.2%) was the most common reason for unwillingness.

Conclusions: With only 1/5th of the children not willing to get vaccinated, policymakers should create a multi-centric effort for the universal coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords: COVID-19; children; school; students; vaccine hesitancy.