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Objective At a time when the COVID19 vaccine was approved for everyone > 12 years of age, we sought to identify characteristics and beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of parents of children aged 3-16 years presenting to one of 9 emergency departments from June-August 2021 to assess parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Using multiple variable regression, we ascertained which factors were associated with parental and pediatric COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Results Of 1491 parents approached, 1298 (87%) participated of which 50% of parents and 27% of their children > 12 years of age were vaccinated. Characteristics associated with parental COVID-19 vaccination were trust in scientists [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.65-7.15], recent influenza vaccination (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.98-3.58), college degree (aOR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.36-2.85), increasing parental age (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.22), friend/family member hospitalized with COVID-19 (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72) and higher income (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.27-2.00). Characteristics associated with pediatric COVID-19 vaccination (≥ 12 years) or intended COVID-19 pediatric vaccination (children < 12 years) were parental trust in scientists (aOR 5.37, 95% CI 3.65-7.88), recent influenza vaccination (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.29-2.77), trust in the media (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.19-2.37), parental college degree (aOR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.20), and increasing parental age (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination acceptance was low. Trust in scientists had the strongest association with parental COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for both parents and their children.

Objective There are nearly 1000 annual ambulance crashes within the United States involving pediatric patients. In 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/US Department of Transportation released Best-Practice Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Emergency Ground Ambulances. The aim of our study was to measure emergency medical services (EMS) providers' knowledge and opinions of how to safely transport pediatric patients. In addition, we aimed to gather information on barriers to safe pediatric transport. Methods Members of 1 urban and 2 suburban EMS agencies completed an anonymous survey that assessed level of training, years of experience, exposure to pediatric patients, knowledge of best practices, and opinions about barriers to safe transport of pediatric patients. Results A total of 114 EMS providers answered the survey. Sixty-three percent were basic life support providers who had more than 10 years of experience in EMS. Ninety-six percent reported that they transported 0 to 5 pediatric patients per week. Twenty percent reported being trained on pediatric safe transport practices. Thirty-two percent of providers reported that personnel did not drive faster when transporting a sick pediatric patient. Eighty-six percent reported that it was unsafe to transport a child on a parent's lap, but 27% reported that it was appropriate to transport a newborn on the stretcher with mom. Thirty-eight percent were comfortable identifying proper restraint system/seat for pediatric patients, and only 35% were comfortable installing/using these devices. Provider-reported barriers to safe transport were identified. Discussion Our survey demonstrates that despite published best practices for the safe transport of children, many providers are unfamiliar with the safest way to transport these patients. In addition, we identified several existing barriers that may contribute to unsafe practices.

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