Search

Purpose This study determined the predictors of caregivers' willingness to accept an accelerated regulatory process for the development of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods An international cross-sectional survey was administered to 2557 caregivers of children in 17 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) across 6 countries from March 26, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Caregivers were asked to select 1 of 4 choices with which they most agreed regarding a proposed COVID-19 vaccine–approval process, in addition to questions regarding demographic characteristics, the ED visit, and attitudes about COVID-19. Univariate analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test for comparing non–normally distributed continuous variables, an independent t test for comparing normally distributed continuous variables, and a χ2 or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for determining independent factors associated with caregivers' willingness to accept abridged development of a COVID-19 vaccine. A P value of, Highlights • Half of caregivers accept an abridged process for rapid COVID-19 vaccine approval. • Seeking fast approval associated with caregiver’s gender, intent to vaccinate child. • Concern about own COVID-19 infection associated with preferring expedited approval.

Highlights • About two thirds of caregivers intend to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. • Most common reason for acceptance was to protect the child. • Most common reason for refusal was the vaccine’s novelty. • Child age, chronic illness, vaccination history affects willingness. • Caregiver gender, vaccination history, concern about infection affect willingness., Background More than 100 COVID-19 vaccine candidates are in development since the SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequence was published in January 2020. The uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine among children will be instrumental in limiting the spread of the disease as herd immunity may require vaccine coverage of up to 80% of the population. Prior history of pandemic vaccine coverage was as low as 40% among children in the United States during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Purpose To investigate predictors associated with global caregivers’ intent to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, when the vaccine becomes available. Method An international cross sectional survey of 1541 caregivers arriving with their children to 16 pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) across six countries from March 26 to May 31, 2020. Results 65% (n = 1005) of caregivers reported that they intend to vaccinate their child against COVID-19, once a vaccine is available. A univariate and subsequent multivariate analysis found that increased intended uptake was associated with children that were older, children with no chronic illness, when fathers completed the survey, children up-to-date on their vaccination schedule, recent history of vaccination against influenza, and caregivers concerned their child had COVID-19 at the time of survey completion in the ED. The most common reason reported by caregivers intending to vaccinate was to protect their child (62%), and the most common reason reported by caregivers refusing vaccination was the vaccine’s novelty (52%). Conclusions The majority of caregivers intend to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, though uptake will likely be associated with specific factors such as child and caregiver demographics and vaccination history. Public health strategies need to address barriers to uptake by providing evidence about an upcoming COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and efficacy, highlighting the risks and consequences of infection in children, and educating caregivers on the role of vaccination.

Objectives To determine factors associated with parents who plan to vaccinate their children against influenza next year, especially those who did not vaccinate against influenza last year using a global survey. Study Design A survey of caregivers accompanying their children 1-19 years-old in 17 Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) in six countries at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anonymous online survey included caregiver and child demographic information, vaccination history and future intentions, and concern about the child and caregiver having COVID-19 at the time of ED visit. Results Of 2422 surveys, 1314 (54.2%) caregivers stated they plan to vaccinate their child against influenza next year, an increase of 15.8% from the prior year. Of 1459 caregivers who did not vaccinate their children last year, 418 (28.6%) plan to do so next year. Factors predicting willingness to change and vaccinate included child’s up-to-date vaccination status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29 – 3.32 P = .003); caregivers’ influenza vaccine history (aOR=3.26, 95% CI 2.41 – 4.40 , p< 0.010), and level of concern their child had COVID-19 (aOR=1.09, 95% CI 1.01 – 1.17, p=0.022). Conclusions Changes in risk perception due to COVID-19, and prior vaccination, may serve to influence decision-making among caregivers regarding influenza vaccination in the coming season. In order to promote influenza vaccination among children, public health programs can leverage this information.