COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy Among New York City Parents of Children Aged 5–11 Years

Abstract

Objectives. To measure vaccine uptake and intentions among New York City (NYC) parents of children aged 5 to 11 years following emergency use authorization. Methods. We conducted a survey of 2506 NYC parents of children aged 5 to 11 years. We used survey weights to generate prevalence estimates of vaccine uptake and intentions. Multivariable Poisson regression models generated adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of vaccine hesitancy, defined as parents who reported being not very likely or not at all likely to vaccinate their children, or unsure about whether to do so. Results. Overall, 11.9% of NYC parents reported that their child was vaccinated; 51.0% were very or somewhat likely to vaccinate; 8.0% were not sure; 29.1% were not very likely or not at all likely to vaccinate their child. Among vaccine-hesitant parents, 89.9% reported safety concerns and 77.8% had concerns about effectiveness. In multivariable models, more vaccine hesitancy was expressed by non-Hispanic Black parents than by non-Hispanic White parents (APR = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17, 1.72) and by parents who were not themselves vaccinated than by parents who were vaccinated (APR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.32, 1.77). Conclusions. In a survey conducted after authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years, significant hesitancy among parents was observed. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print April 14, 2022: e1–e6. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306784 )

Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Children Aged 5 to 11 Years

“…21,60,61 The low uptake of vaccines among children and unwillingness of parents to vaccinate their children have been reported. 21,22,62,63 According to surveys in the US, 25% to 46% of parents were unsure or reluctant to vaccinate their children. 22,63,64 While 83% of parents acknowledged that "it would be bad if children got COVID-19," 63 26% did not believe that vaccines would protect their children from COVID-19.…”

“…21,22,62,63 According to surveys in the US, 25% to 46% of parents were unsure or reluctant to vaccinate their children. 22,63,64 While 83% of parents acknowledged that "it would be bad if children got COVID-19," 63 26% did not believe that vaccines would protect their children from COVID-19. Notably, even when parents themselves were vaccinated, numerous parents considered that vaccination is unnecessary for their children because they are not seriously concerned about COVID-19 risks and its complications in children.…”

“…21 Misunderstandings about vaccines' effectiveness and concerns about their safety have repeatedly been suggested as major drivers of vaccine hesitancy among parents. 21,22,61,65,66 More than 80% of parents have reported being concerned about possible serious or rare AEs of COVID-19 vaccines. 64 In this context, the safety and effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children aged 5 to 11 years drawn by previous reports and determined by our meta-analysis were informative.…”

“…13,20 Furthermore, concerns for the safety of mRNA vaccines have been raised. 21,22 Therefore, pooled evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines among children aged 5 to 11 years will inform physicians, families, and policy makers.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric asthma-related healthcare utilization in New York City: a community-based study

“…Interestingly, in our study we found that there was no difference in influenza vaccine acceptance between groups, but families with public insurance were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Racial and socioeconomic disparities regarding COVID-19 vaccination are well documented [40,43,44] and partially rooted in issues surrounding structural racism and medical mistrust [45].…”