Factors Influencing Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination During the Omicron Surge

Abstract

While most adolescents experience mild-COVID-19 infection, those with underlying medical conditions have an increased risk of severe health outcomes. Furthermore, compared with other pediatric populations, adolescents have experienced higher rates of COVID-19–associated hospitalization. COVID-19 vaccine decision-making in adolescents during COVID-19 surges is not well understood. Our objective was to explore factors influencing parental and adolescents’ COVID-19 vaccine decision-making during the Omicron winter 2021/2022 surge. Participants were recruited from an academic pediatric primary care clinic. Eligible adolescents (aged 12–17 years) who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine between December 2021 and February 2022 were recruited to participate in a semistructured interview with their parent. Perspectives were illuminated through thematic analysis of the data that included coding and pattern identification. Ten parent–adolescent dyads’ interview data were analyzed and classified into three principal themes influencing vaccine acceptance during the Omicron surge: perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, family member influence, and clear, two-way communication with a clinician. Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccine availability for adolescents, vaccination rates remain suboptimal even during times of increased disease prevalence. Using health promotion practices to emphasize perceived risk of infection while navigating family dynamics through two-way communication during COVID-19 surges may support vaccine uptake.