Parental intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19

Abstract

Background: With the start of the vaccination campaign, a new phase in the management of the coronavirus pandemic has begun. Approval and recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of children followed gradually; to date (4 October 2022), vaccination for children under five years of age has not been approved in Germany. Aim of the study: The aim was to investigate how parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 developed from May 2020 to February 2021 (from the first to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic) and to analyse the determinants of the intention to vaccinate. Methods: In May 2020, 612 families participating with their children aged 1.5–6 years in the KUNO Kids Health Study completed an online survey (participation rate 51%), and 507 completed the second survey in February 2021. Determinants of the intention to vaccinate were analysed for both time points using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: While 51% of parents reported wanting their children vaccinated against COVID-19 in May 2020, this proportion decreased to 41% by February 2021. At least at one of the two time points, health literacy and perceived competence regarding protective measures against the virus were significantly positively associated with higher vaccination intentions, while belonging to a risk group and the perception that the political measures were exaggerated were associated with lower vaccination intentions. Discussion: Parents’ intention to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 was low and decreased further from the first to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Attitudinal and competence-related determinants were important at both time points and could be targeted in a future vaccination campaign addressing parents of younger children.