ABSTRACT
Introduction: Most studies present a snapshot of hesitant parents' decisions and thinking concerning COVID-19 vaccination, but for many it is a dynamic rather than a stable process. We examined the considerations of a group of vaccine hesitant parents (VHPs) with respect to COVID-19 vaccinations for their children before, during and after the main vaccination campaign for the 12 to 15-year-old age group in Israel, over a six-month period. Methods: Digital surveys were administered to 1118 Israeli parents. After VHPs were identified, three surveys were conducted to evaluate considerations that discourage or encourage vaccination. A logistic regression was carried out on sixteen models; of these, six were found to be statistically significant. Results: 456 parents' data were analyzed. Parents' intentions to vaccinate prior to the vaccination campaign were a good predictor of their actual behavior, (rp=.497, p<.001). We divided the parents into four groups: consistently pro-vaccine (39.4%), consistently anti-vaccine (15.2%), pro-vaccine parents who did not vaccinate (17.6%), and anti-vaccine parents who did vaccinate (27.9%). We identified eight considerations that were significant in VHPs' vaccination behavior: trust in scientists, doctors and drug companies, children's preferences, spread of COVID, social responsibility, children's characteristics, the vaccine's speed of development and its side effects. Discussion: Greater vaccine uptake for teenagers may depend on the attitudes and perceptions of their parents. We identified encouraging and discouraging considerations that may make potential targets for public health officials when communicating about vaccines.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
IntroductionIsrael led a rapid vaccine rollout against COVID-19, leading to a local remission of the epidemic and rolling back of most public health measures. Further vaccination of 12-15-year-olds may be hindered by public perceptions of the necessity and safety of vaccination. Methodswe examined the considerations of vaccine hesitant parents (VHPs) regarding vaccination of children against COVID-19. The responses of 456 parents were surveyed and analyzed before FDA authorization of vaccination of children. Resultsparents who were vaccinated against COVID-19 were more likely to intend to vaccinate their children (r=-0.466, p<0.01). Low accessibility of vaccination may be a dissuading factor for VHPs more inclined to vaccinate. Vaccine efficacy and gaining a "Green Pass" were positively associated with an intention to vaccinate and statistically significant. VHPs inclined not to vaccinate indicated short development time and possible long term effects as dissuading factors. Discussionvaccine promotion should be tailored for VHPs positive and negative considerations for higher uptake.