Factors impacting parental uptake of COVID-19 vaccination for US Children ages 5-17

COVID-19 vaccination of U.S. children lags behind adult vaccination, but remains critical in mitigating the pandemic. Using a subset of a nationally representative survey, this study examined factors contributing to parental uptake of COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-17 and 5-11, stratified by parental COVID19 vaccination status. Among vaccinated parents, uptake was higher for 12-17-year-olds (78.6%) than 5- 11-year-olds (50.7%); only two unvaccinated parents vaccinated their children. Child influenza vaccination was predictive of uptake for both age groups, while side effect concerns remained significant only for younger children. Although parents were more likely to involve adolescents in vaccine decision-making than younger children, this was not predictive of vaccine uptake. These results highlight the importance of addressing the unique and shared concerns parents have regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children of varying ages. Future work should further explore adolescent/child perspectives of involvement in COVID-19 vaccination decision-making to support developmentally appropriate involvement. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower for children in the U.S compared to adults, but it is still crucial for mitigating the pandemic. This study investigated factors influencing parental uptake of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 12-17 and 5-11, based on parental vaccination status. Among vaccinated parents, more 12-17 year-olds were vaccinated (78.6%) compared to 5-11 year-olds (50.7%), and only two unvaccinated parents vaccinated their children. Influenza vaccination of the child predicted uptake in both age groups, while concerns about side effects were only significant for younger children. Involving adolescents in vaccine decision-making did not predict uptake. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing parents' unique and shared concerns about COVID-19 vaccination for children of different ages. Future research should explore adolescent/child perspectives on involvement in COVID-19 vaccine decision-making. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.