PC1240: Understanding Parental Views of the Coronavirus Vaccine

Background: One of the most effective tools used to contain the impact of the novel coronavirus is the COVID-19 vaccine. Hesitancy about the vaccine has been one major struggle the United States has faced, particularly the Southeast. The COVID-19 vaccination rate of those with at least one dose in the United States is 82.2%. In those five years old or greater with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Alabama stands at 66.6% and Tuscaloosa County at 56.2%.

Methods: We distributed surveys to parents of children aged 6 months through 11 years of age during their child’s office visit in our clinic. The survey asked parents questions regarding their view of the COVD-19 vaccine. The questions were in multiple choice format with a free text response option for many questions. The data was collected over the span of about one month (January to February 2022). Surveys were excluded if the age was 12 or greater or the parent declined to identify the child’s age.

Results: 41% of parents had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 16% of parents wanted to give their child the vaccine as soon as possible. About 49% of parents reported strict opposition to the vaccine. Approximately 32% of parents reported they would give the vaccine if required or if more children received the vaccine first. None of the 9 respondents who identified as white wanted the vaccine for their child immediately. However, 9 of the 43 respondents who identified as black or African American wanted the vaccine for their child as soon as possible.

The overwhelming reason parents hesitate to give their child the vaccine is their concern about the vaccine not being thoroughly tested. About 28% reported they did not want the vaccine because of potential side effects. Out of the fifteen children old enough to get the vaccine, only one child had already received the vaccine.

Conclusion: The vaccination rate of the parents surveyed was below our county’s vaccination rate. The main reason parents had vaccine hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine for their child was their concern the vaccine had not been tested enough in children. There was also a major concern regarding side effects of the vaccine. This information may help us prepare to answer our community’s questions about the COVID-19 vaccine in the pediatric population. For our practice, this information will serve as a foundation in the discussion of the vaccine with our patients and their families.

There were limits to this study. Many respondents did not answer all questions. There were a limited number of white, mixed race, or Hispanic respondents. Most respondents identified as black or African American. This could be because COVID-19 disproportionately affects the black and African American community.