Weighing the risks and benefits: Parental perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines for 5- to 11-year-old children.
Vaccine
; 42(25): 126154, 2024 Nov 14.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39060203
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Parents are the primary decision makers for their children's vaccination, yet, we have limited knowledge on what influences their decision making related to COVID-19 vaccination. The study aimed to understand these different considerations that shape the decisions of parents of children aged 5-11 years old.METHODS:
We conducted a qualitative study that included online focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents of children aged 5-11 years old. Data was collected between July 26th, 2022, and February 15th, 2023. A total of eight FGDs were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted, and peer debriefing was used to ensure methodological rigor.RESULTS:
Findings revealed that parents of vaccinated and unvaccinated children employed language of risk-benefit analysis to inform their decision-making. Parents of vaccinated children highlighted concerns about spreading COVID-19, family member's health, and long COVID-19. For parents of unvaccinated children, they perceived potential vaccine side effects as more harmful than the risks associated with COVID-19. Participants contended that there was a lack of transparency from the government and public health agencies, highlighting inconsistent messaging which had fractured their trust in COVID-19-related recommendations and mandates.CONCLUSIONS:
Our results indicate that improved transparency on how evidence is developed and why recommendations and mandates shift during the pandemic would foster trust in the government and public health agencies. Open communication with health providers on the potential risks and benefits would also improve caregivers confidence in the vaccine.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Padres
/
Vacunación
/
Grupos Focales
/
Toma de Decisiones
/
Vacunas contra la COVID-19
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Límite:
Adult
/
Child
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Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Vaccine
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Países Bajos