Malaysian Parents' Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children against COVID-19 Infection and Their Perception of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

Little was known about Malaysian parental attitudes, beliefs, and intentions surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for children when the National COVID-19 Immunization Program for Children (PICKids) was launched in February 2021. A cross-sectional online survey-based study was carried out from 15 March 2022 to 23 July 2022 on Malaysian parents/guardians of children between ages 5 and below 12 years old. A total of 15.7% reported being extremely willing, and 38.9% were somewhat willing to vaccinate children with a COVID-19 vaccine. Perceived low susceptibility to COVID-19 infection showed the greatest significant impact on vaccine acceptance (OR 35.46, 95% CI 15.26-82.40). Parents with a lower level of concern have a higher willingness for vaccination (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.90-1.75). Of the parents that knew of the mRNA vaccine, 46.6% reported that they prefer their children to be vaccinated with conventional vaccines over mRNA vaccines. Poor knowledge about mRNA vaccines, lack of confidence in the mRNA technology, fear of unknown side effects, and perception that the mRNA vaccines contain microchips were significantly associated with a higher level of concern about their children receiving an mRNA vaccine. Public education campaigns to promote COVID-19 vaccination for children warrant addressing the concerns and knowledge deficits among vaccine-hesitant parents.

Automated summary

This study conducted in Malaysia found that parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 is influenced by their perceived susceptibility to the disease and their concerns about vaccines. A significant number of parents showed a preference for traditional vaccines over mRNA vaccines, citing concerns about mRNA technology and potential side effects. Public education campaigns are needed to address these concerns and increase vaccine acceptance among hesitant parents.