Reasons underlying the intention to vaccinate children aged 5-11 against COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of parents in Israel, November 2021

Abstract

Vaccination is a key tool to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Israel, COVID-19 vaccines became available to adults in December 2020 and to 5–11-year-old children in November 2021. Ahead of the vaccine roll-out in children, we aimed to determine whether surveyed parents intended to vaccinate their children and describe reasons for their intentions. We collected information on parental socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccine history, intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, and reasons for parental decisions using an anonymous online survey. We identified associations between parental characteristics and plans to vaccinate children using a logistic regression model and described reasons for intentions to vaccinate or not. Parental non-vaccination and having experienced major vaccination side effects were strongly associated with non-intention to vaccinate their children (OR 0.09 and 0.18 respectively, p < .001). Parents who were younger, lived in the socio-economically deprived periphery, and belonged to the Arab population had lower intentions to vaccinate their children. Reasons for non-intention to vaccinate included concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy (53%, 95%CI 50–56) and the belief that COVID-19 is a mild disease (73%, 95%CI 73–79), while a frequent motive for vaccination was the return to normal social and educational life (89%, 95%CI 87–91). Understanding rationales for COVID-19 vaccine rejection or acceptance, as well as parental demographic data, can pave the way for intentional educational campaigns to encourage not only vaccination against COVID-19, but also regular childhood vaccine programming.

Parental Willingness and Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in Saudi Arabia

“…Other factors included misconceptions about the severity of COVID-19 [73%; 95% CI: 73–79], efficacy and safety of vaccines [53%; 95% CI: 50 −56], parents’ young age [AOR:2.40; CI: 1.50–3.83], vaccination history [AOR: 16.47; CI: 8.39–32.33] and high fear among family members [AOR: 2.35; CI: 1.38–4.02]. 13 , 14 Misinformation leading to vaccination reluctance could endanger public health and make dealing with the current situation more difficult. 15 Studies also reported the potential role of healthcare providers (HCPs) to ensure evidence-based effective communication with parents about focused health education strategies to change their perception towards vaccination.…”

COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Determinants and Beliefs Contributing to Vaccination Decision of Parents in Germany 2021/2022

“…Given the uncertainty about the severity of the COVID-19 courses, premature conclusions by authorities on vaccination recommendations for a vulnerable group such as children should be discouraged. As trust is one of the major drivers for vaccine acceptance, valid and evidence-based information should be published and the government should aim to improve trust and reduce vaccine hesitancy [ 31 , 36 , 53 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ].…”

“…Another determinant very strongly associated with vaccination willingness was the pressure perception by COVID-19 vaccination campaigns ( r = 0.775; p adj < 0.05). Recent investigations examining vaccination willingness recommend providing additional detailed information and education about COVID-19 vaccination to increase knowledge and thus vaccination acceptance in the population, often through vaccination campaigns [ 26 , 36 , 53 , 63 , 65 ]. However, earlier findings of this study suggested elevated vaccination refusal among individuals who perceived increased pressure from vaccination campaigns and calls for COVID-19 vaccines.…”

“…This aligns with a research study conducted in Poland, which reveals contrary outcomes when parents perceive excessive force through campaigns [ 66 ]. Therefore, it is not recommended to promote vaccine uptake solely through government-run vaccination campaigns, but also by extending education and developing sub-campaigns through other channels, not at the “helicopter” level, but at the family level, for example, pediatricians, general practitioners, health insurance companies, and schools [ 57 , 63 ]. However, for vaccination campaigns to have the desired effect, trust in public health policy and authorities may be a fundament.…”

Vaccinating without complete willingness against COVID‐19: Personal and social aspects of Israeli nursing students and faculty members

“…We did not find studies that included aspects of political affiliation among minority groups in Israel during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, taking into account the political instability that is taking place in Israel during the last few years, it is possible that the complete willingness to be vaccinated could also be a question of political disregard against the Israeli government, especially among the Arab minority (Morozov et al, 2022). In this regard, it has been found that the trust level in the “system” (health directives and authorities) was significantly lower among Arabs as compared to Jews during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Israel.…”