Vaccine-Hesitant Parents' Considerations Regarding Covid-19 Vaccination of Adolescents

Atad, E.; Netzer, I.; Peleg, O.; Landsman, K.; Keren, D.; Edan-Reuven, S.; Baram-Tsabari, A.

Introduction: Israel 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. Methods: we 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. Results: parents 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. Discussion: vaccine promotion should be tailored for VHPs' positive and negative considerations for higher uptake.