Differences in Parents’ Perspectives on Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination by Child’s Age

Abstract

Purpose

Uptake of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among children has been lackluster with significant disparities by age. We explored how child’s age influences parental COVID-19 vaccine decision making.

Design

Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach.

Setting

A network of five outpatient pediatric clinics.

Participants

Parents of children <18 years old presenting for well or sick telemedicine visits.

Method

We conducted a focused analysis of themes by age groups with different vaccine doses and recommendations: 6 months to 4 years, 5 to 11 years, and 12 to 17 years.

Results

We interviewed 26 parents between June 2022 and January 2023. Fourteen (54%) interviewees had a child ≤4 years old, 16 (62%) had a child 5 to 11 years old, and 8 (31%) had a child ≥12 years old. Factors related to three broad themes contributed to age-specific differences in COVID-19 vaccine decision making: (1) perceptions about COVID-19 infection risk; (2) perceptions about COVID-19 vaccine safety; and (3) logistical considerations.

Conclusion

Several factors influencing age-specific COVID-19 vaccine uptake during rollout continue to hinder vaccine uptake among children. Logistical barriers – specifically supply shortages and availability – that impeded the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for the youngest children also hindered the recent RSV immunization promotion efforts. Lessons learned from our study should inform ongoing vaccine promotion efforts, new vaccine rollouts, and pandemic preparedness.