Parents Willingness to Vaccinate with a COVID-19 Vaccine The Role of Parenthood and Gender

Background. Parents are faced with a vaccination decision in the context of their own vaccination and that of their children with a COVID-19 vaccine. At present, there is no (complete) vaccination recommendation. Research question. The study investigates the willingness to vaccinate of parents of minors and people without children who are minors, in which gender differences in particular are examined. Methods. The study is based on a random sample (telephone survey, n = 2,014, collected between 12 November and 10 December 2020). The evaluation is primarily based on the sub-sample of people with minors in the household (n = 461). Results. Parents of minors consistently show a lower willingness to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine than respondents without minors (54.1% vs 71.1%). Fathers show a stronger willingness to be vaccinated than mothers. Furthermore, men are more willing to get their own child vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine than are women. Conclusions. Among parents and especially mothers, a considerable misrepresentation of vaccination risks and frequent beliefs in vaccination conspiracy theories can be observed. Clear and easily understandable information on the effects and side effects of vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine by relevant institutions and physicians is recommended.

Automated summary

The study found that parents with minors have a lower willingness to vaccinate with a COVID-19 vaccine compared to those without minors, with fathers showing stronger willingness than mothers. Men are more inclined to have their own children vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine compared to women. There is a considerable misrepresentation of vaccination risks and frequent beliefs in vaccination conspiracy theories among parents, especially mothers.