Prevalence and Predictors of Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance

Stephanie L. Bourque; Blair W. Weikel; Claire Palmer; Jessica R. Cataldi; Sarah Blackwell; Sunah S. Hwang

doi:10.1055/a-1850-3199

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2023; 40(01): 106-114
DOI: 10.1055/a-1850-3199

Original Article

Prevalence and Predictors of Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance

Stephanie L. Bourque

¹Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States

,

Blair W. Weikel

¹Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States

,

Claire Palmer

¹Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States

,

Jessica R. Cataldi

²Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States

³Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States

,

Sarah Blackwell

⁴Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Aurora, Colorado, United States

,

Sunah S. Hwang

¹Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objective As pediatric COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands, understanding predictors of vaccine intent is critical to effectively address parental concerns. Objectives included: (1) Evaluate maternal COVID-19 vaccine intent for child(ren) and associated predictors of stated intent; (2) Describe attitudes related to hypothetical vaccination policies; (3) Summarize themes associated with intention to vaccinate child(ren) for COVID-19.

Study Design Mothers enrolled in Heath eMoms, a longitudinal survey project, were recruited for this electronic COVID-19 survey. Chi-square analysis was used to compare proportions of respondent characteristics based on vaccination intent. Population survey logistic regression was used for multivariable modeling to assess the independent association between vaccine intent and demographics.

Results The response rate was 65.3% (n = 1884); 44.2% would choose vaccination, 20.3% would not choose vaccination, and 35.5% are unsure whether to have their child(ren) vaccinated for COVID-19. Black mothers (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13, 0.54), respondents with less than high school education (AOR 0.26, 95% 0.12, 0.56) and those in rural areas (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.16, 0.48) were less likely to choose vaccination. Commonly cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy include the belief that the vaccine was not tested enough, is not safe, and there are concerns regarding its side effects.

Conclusion Over 50% of respondents do not intend or are unsure about their intent to vaccinate their child(ren) for COVID-19 with variability noted by demographics. Opportunities exist for perinatal and pediatric providers to educate pregnant people, parents, and caregivers with a focus on addressing concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.

Key Points

COVID-19 vaccination rates remain suboptimal, especially in the pediatric population, with variation across states.
We found that the prevalence of vaccine acceptance for young children is low.
We highlight opportunities for providers to educate parents, focusing on addressing vaccine safety and efficacy.

Keywords

COVID-19 - vaccine hesitancy - vaccine acceptance

Full Text

References

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material