Factors Associated With Parental Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination: A Multicenter Pediatric Emergency Department Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective At a time when the COVID19 vaccine was approved for everyone > 12 years of age, we sought to identify characteristics and beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of parents of children aged 3-16 years presenting to one of 9 emergency departments from June-August 2021 to assess parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Using multiple variable regression, we ascertained which factors were associated with parental and pediatric COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Results Of 1491 parents approached, 1298 (87%) participated of which 50% of parents and 27% of their children > 12 years of age were vaccinated. Characteristics associated with parental COVID-19 vaccination were trust in scientists [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.65-7.15], recent influenza vaccination (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.98-3.58), college degree (aOR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.36-2.85), increasing parental age (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.22), friend/family member hospitalized with COVID-19 (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72) and higher income (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.27-2.00). Characteristics associated with pediatric COVID-19 vaccination (≥ 12 years) or intended COVID-19 pediatric vaccination (children < 12 years) were parental trust in scientists (aOR 5.37, 95% CI 3.65-7.88), recent influenza vaccination (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.29-2.77), trust in the media (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.19-2.37), parental college degree (aOR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.20), and increasing parental age (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination acceptance was low. Trust in scientists had the strongest association with parental COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for both parents and their children.

Intent among Parents to Vaccinate Children before Pediatric Vaccine Recommendations, Minnesota and Los Angeles County, California--May-September 2021

“…Our finding that younger parents were more likely to be undecided or without intention to vaccinate is consistent with other studies as well. 16,19,21 Similarly, lesser education and lower income also were related to being undecided or without intention to vaccinate and are similar to previous investigations. 18,19,21 Together these findings suggest that younger and more economically disadvantaged parents remain concerned, and need additional safety and effectiveness information about vaccinating their children for COVID-19.…”

“…16,19,21 Similarly, lesser education and lower income also were related to being undecided or without intention to vaccinate and are similar to previous investigations. 18,19,21 Together these findings suggest that younger and more economically disadvantaged parents remain concerned, and need additional safety and effectiveness information about vaccinating their children for COVID-19. We also observed that residents of Los Angeles County reported more hesitant or less likely to vaccinate their children although this observation lost significance in multivariate analyses.…”

Views on COVID-19 vaccination of young children in Ireland, results from a cross-sectional survey of parents

“… [5] , [6] Trust in scientists has also been reported as a key factor in parental vaccine acceptance. [7] A perception that vaccination is not necessary due to low risk of complications as well as concern about vaccine side effects have been reported as reasons for parents not intending to vaccinate children. [8] …”

Parents’ perspectives on SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations for children: a qualitative analysis

“…Considerable research has evaluated parental intention to vaccinate their children against SARS-CoV-2 in Canada 2 – 4 , 6 – 8 and internationally, 9 – 16 but few studies have explored parents’ decisions to have their children vaccinated or not, once eligible. 17 Given the observed discrepancy between parental intention and decision to seek vaccination for their children against SARS-CoV-2, it is critical to investigate how and why parents make their decisions. Understanding the factors that influence parents to seek vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 for their children, or not, would help inform policies and interventions focused on this population and would help health care professionals understand parents’ perspectives and concerns.…”