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Sartori AL, Buffarini R, Machado da Silva A, Amaral de Andrade Leão O, Ramos Flores T, Dâmaso Bertoldi A, Curi Hallal P, Freitas da Silveira M. Child COVID-19 vaccine uptake among participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00746-1. [PMID: 38991916 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children and to investigate factors associated with two outcomes variables: (a) not even beginning; (b) not completing the COVID-19 vaccine series. METHODS We used data of children aged 6-7 years from the 2015 Pelotas c Birth Cohort Study. COVID-19 vaccination status was collected from immunization cards and National Immunization Program Information System. Adjusted analyses were performed using a hierarchical model to identify factors associated with the two study outcomes. RESULTS Among 3867 children, 20.7 % (95 % CI, 19.5 %-22.0 %) did not even begin the 2-dose primary COVID-19 vaccine series, and 28.2 % (95 % CI, 26.6 %-29.8 %) did not complete the series with the second dose. Children not even beginning the COVID-19 vaccine series were more likely to have a White mother, not to have obesity, to have a history of COVID-19 infection, to have received non-recommended drugs for COVID-19, to be afraid of needles, and to have an incomplete diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) and poliovirus immunization schedule. Not completing the 2-dose series was associated with lower maternal age and education, mother's self-identification as White or Brown, lower household income, lack of access to health services, not having completed the DTP and poliovirus immunization schedule and living with a person with a history of infection with COVID-19. CONCLUSION The results highlight a vaccine-hesitant parents' group who chose not beginning the COVID-19 vaccine series of their children and, another group of parents who failure to complete the child's series due to difficulty accessing health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucia Sartori
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil; Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, 1200 Alexandre Ferronato Avenue, 78550-728, Sinop, MT, Brazil.
| | - Romina Buffarini
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório Street, 96200-400 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | - Aline Machado da Silva
- Pelotas Municipal Health Department, 1764 Lobo da Costa Street, 96020-360 Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Otávio Amaral de Andrade Leão
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil; Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S 4th St, 61820, Urbana/Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Thaynã Ramos Flores
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Andréa Dâmaso Bertoldi
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Curi Hallal
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil; Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 906 S. Goodwin, 61801-3841, Urbana/Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Mariângela Freitas da Silveira
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, 1160 Marechal Deodoro Street, 3rd floor, 96020-220 Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Costa SDSB, Branco MDRFC, Pereira AR, Costa EM, Araújo MSM, Oliveira DCD, Oliveira BLCAD, Rangel MES, Tonello AS, Lopes DAM, Pinheiro VV, Câmara APB, Santos AMD, Vasconcelos VV. Spatial analysis of hospital-related mortality due to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e19892022. [PMID: 38198339 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024291.19892022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of the hospital mortality rate (HMR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil from 2020 to 2021. A cluster method was used to group federal units (FUs) based on HMR. In 2020, clusters with high HMRs were formed by north/northeast FUs. In 2021, there was a reduction in HMR. Clusters with higher rates remained in the N/NE region. Regional differences were observed in the HMR. The findings may reflect social inequalities and access to hospital care, especially in the under 1-year-old age group due to the severity of the disease in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silmery da Silva Brito Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA). R. Barão de Itapary 155, Centro. 65020-070 São Luís MA Brasil.
| | | | | | - Elisa Miranda Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA). R. Barão de Itapary 155, Centro. 65020-070 São Luís MA Brasil.
| | - Mayra Sharlenne Moraes Araújo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA). R. Barão de Itapary 155, Centro. 65020-070 São Luís MA Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Patricia Barros Câmara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA). R. Barão de Itapary 155, Centro. 65020-070 São Luís MA Brasil.
| | - Alcione Miranda Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA). R. Barão de Itapary 155, Centro. 65020-070 São Luís MA Brasil.
| | - Vitor Vieira Vasconcelos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do ABC. São Paulo SP Brasil
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Postiglione M, Miraglia del Giudice G, Della Polla G, Angelillo IF. Analysis of the COVID-19 vaccine willingness and hesitancy among parents of healthy children aged 6 months-4 years: a cross-sectional survey in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1241514. [PMID: 37942245 PMCID: PMC10628319 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Italy, since December 2022, the COVID-19 vaccination has been extended to children aged 6 months-4 years with conditions of fragility and to those healthy at the request of the parent. The purposes of the cross-sectional survey were to determine the willingness and hesitancy of the parents/guardians to have their healthy children vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods The survey was performed among 389 parents/guardians with a child aged 6 months-4 years randomly selected from seven kindergartens and eight nursery schools in the geographic area of Naples, Italy. Results Only 10.5% were very concerned about the risk of infection, and the mean values regarding the perceived utility and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine were 3.3 and 3.2, respectively. Only 13.7% of participants were willing to consent to vaccinate the selected child against COVID-19, while 20.1% were uncertain and 66.2% did not intend. Parents/guardians of older children, those who received information about the COVID-19 vaccine from physicians or pediatricians, those who believed that the COVID-19 vaccine was useful, and those with lower hesitancy regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were more willing to vaccinate their child. The mean Parent Attitudes About Childhood Vaccines (PACV-5) score was 5.6, with 33.1% of respondents who were identified as highly hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccination (score ≥ 7). Parents/guardians with a lower perceived safety of the COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to be highly hesitant. Discussion The findings reveal the need to improve community-based education campaigns and effective promotion of the COVID-19 vaccination to increase willingness and address parental safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Postiglione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Della Polla
- Department of Public Health and Laboratory Services, Teaching Hospital of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Salvador PTCDO, Alves KYA, Carvalho KRSD, Nehab MF, Camacho KG, Reis AT, Junqueira-Marinho MDF, Abramov DM, Azevedo ZMAD, Salú MDS, Vasconcelos ZFMD, Gomes Junior SCDS, da Silva Filho OC, Moore DCBC. [Online survey on the reasons for vaccine hesitancy against COVID-19 in children and adolescents in Brazil]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39:e00159122. [PMID: 37851730 PMCID: PMC10581683 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xpt159122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective is to unveil the reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents and/or guardians of children and adolescents toward the prevention of COVID-19. This is a descriptive study, with a qualitative approach that seeks to analyze the answers to the open question "Why will you not vaccinate or have not vaccinated or are in doubt about vaccinating the children and adolescents under your responsibility, for the prevention of COVID-19?". The research included adult individuals, Brazilians, living in the country, responsible for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Data collection took place electronically in November and December 2021. The answers were organized and processed with the support of the software Iramuteq. The textual corpus of this research was composed of the response of 1,896 participants, consisting of 87% who were hesitant (1,650) and 13% (246) of parents who intend to vaccinate but who outlined some doubts and considerations about the vaccination of children and adolescents. These are reasons why parents and/or guardians have not vaccinated or are in doubt about vaccinating the children and adolescents under their responsibility for the prevention of COVID-19: fears about vaccination regarding the conception that the vaccine is in the experimental phase, fear of adverse reactions and long-term effects. The reasons for the lack of intention to vaccinate stem from the understanding of the participants that COVID-19 in children is not serious, the risks of vaccination are greater than the benefits, and the right of choice not to vaccinate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marcio Fernandes Nehab
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Karla Gonçalves Camacho
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Adriana Teixeira Reis
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Maria de Fátima Junqueira-Marinho
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Dimitri Marques Abramov
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Zina Maria Almeida de Azevedo
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Margarida Dos Santos Salú
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | - Orli Carvalho da Silva Filho
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Daniella Campelo Batalha Cox Moore
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brasil
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Hwang JW, Chien SJ, Wang CC, Kuo KC, Tang KS, Lee Y, Chen YC, Lo MH, Lee IK, Chuah SK, Lee CT, Kung CT, Wang LJ. Perception and Mental Health Status Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Among Taiwanese Adolescents and Their Caregivers. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2023; 14:195-204. [PMID: 37822558 PMCID: PMC10562508 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s429238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccinating adolescents is a vital strategy to enhance population protection without imposing overly restrictive measures on our daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. As teenagers gain more independence, their willingness to get vaccinated may depend on their own understanding of the pandemic, vaccines, and mental well-being, as well as that of their caregivers. Our study aimed to examine how Taiwanese adolescents and their caregivers perceive COVID-19 vaccination and assess their mental health status. Methods We invited a total of 138 vaccinated adolescents and their caregivers to complete several questionnaires, including the Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID19S), Impact of Event Scale (IES), and Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Results Among the adolescents, 76.8% considered the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) as the ideal option for COVID-19 vaccination, while 27.5% of caregivers expressed acceptance of any available vaccine. Adolescents scored higher than caregivers in terms of vaccine value (p<0.001) and autonomy (p<0.001), but lower in knowledge (p<0.001), as assessed by the DrVac-COVID19S subscales. The adolescents' intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (DrVac-COVID19S total score) showed a positive correlation with their perception of the pandemic's impact (IES scores, r=0.214, p=0.012) and their caregivers' vaccination intention (r=0.371, p<0.001). Furthermore, adolescents' mental health demonstrated a positive association with the mental health of their caregiver (CHQ total scores, r=0.481, p<0.001). Conclusion During the COVID-19 outbreak, caregivers have encountered heightened levels of mental stress, and this stress has been found to be positively correlated with the mental stress experienced by adolescents and their intentions regarding vaccination. These findings can serve as crucial references for healthcare providers and governments when formulating vaccination policies for adolescents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Winjei Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shao Ju Chien
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Wang
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Che Kuo
- Division of Pediatric Infection, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Shu Tang
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hung Lo
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Kit Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Seng-Kee Chuah
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Te Lee
- Department of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Te Kung
- Department of Emergency, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
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Mudenda S, Meyer JC, Fadare JO, Ogunleye OO, Saleem Z, Matafwali SK, Daka V, Chabalenge B, Chama J, Mukosha M, Skosana P, Witika BA, Kalungia AC, Hamachila A, Mufwambi W, Godman B. COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among adolescents and youths: Findings and implications for future vaccination programmes. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002385. [PMID: 37729153 PMCID: PMC10511127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and youths are a key part of the population that needs to be protected against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is because they are more likely to spread the virus to vulnerable individuals. In view of these concerns, this study investigated the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among adolescents and youths attending secondary schools in Zambia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 school-going adolescents in Lusaka from September 2022 to November 2022. Overall, 1409 participants took part giving a response rate of 94%. Only 29.2% (n = 411) of the participants were vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of the study. Compared to their unvaccinated counterparts, vaccinated adolescents and youths scored higher for knowledge (66.2% vs 57.8%) and attitudes (76.7% vs 39.4%) regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare workers, family/friends and social media were key sources of information regarding the vaccine. Factors associated with increased vaccine uptake were positive attitudes (AOR = 33.62, 95% CI: 19.92-56.73), indicating it was stressful to follow COVID-19 preventive measures (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.99), participants in Grade 12 (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.94-5.91), Grade 11 (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.94-5.91), Grade 10 (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.98-6.11) and Grade 9 (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.74-5.32) compared to Grade 8. This study found a relatively low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among adolescents and youths in Zambia. There is a need to provide adequate strategies to address knowledge and attitude gaps regarding COVID-19 vaccines to improve uptake and reduce future morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joseph O. Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Scott K. Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jacob Chama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- HIV and Women’s Health Research Group, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Phumzile Skosana
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bwalya A. Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Aubrey C. Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Audrey Hamachila
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Webrod Mufwambi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Miraglia del Giudice G, Della Polla G, Postiglione M, Angelillo IF. Willingness and hesitancy of parents to vaccinate against COVID-19 their children ages 6 months to 4 years with frail conditions in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1212652. [PMID: 37521983 PMCID: PMC10374007 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1212652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Italy, on December 2022, COVID-19 vaccination was recommended for children aged 6 months-4 years with frail conditions and for those healthy. The purposes of the survey were to understand parental willingness and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination of children with frail conditions in Italy and related influencing factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed among 445 parents with a child aged 6 months-4 years with frail conditions who attended a teaching hospital and a public hospital randomly selected in the city of Naples, Italy. Results Almost one third (29.9%) were willing to vaccinate their frail children against COVID-19, whereas 21.3% were uncertain, and 48.8% did not intend to vaccinate. Parents with a higher level of perception that the vaccine is useful and safe and those who had received information by pediatrician were more likely to be willing to vaccinate their child. The mean Parent Attitudes About Childhood Vaccines (PACV-5) score was 3.4, with 13.5% of parents high-hesitant for the COVID-19 vaccination for their child. Parents with a higher COVID-19 vaccine-related safety concerns, those who have delayed at least one shot of a recommended vaccine for their child, and those who did not have received at least three doses of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to be high-hesitant. Conclusion The survey findings have important implications for designing interventions to increase willingness and to reduce hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccine among parents of frail children aged 6 months-4 years in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgia Della Polla
- Department of Public Health and Laboratory Services, Teaching Hospital of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Postiglione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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