Top 5 Takeaways

1. Decline in Vaccination Intent and Confidence Over 3 Months: Parental intent to vaccinate children under 5 against COVID-19 and confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness decreased within 3 months of the study.
2. Return to Baseline Intent After 6 Months: Although there was a decline in vaccination intent and confidence initially, these returned to baseline levels after 6 months.
3. Statistical Significance of Findings: The changes in parental intent and perception were statistically significant. However, after adjusting for various factors like the child’s SARS-CoV-2 infection status, these changes were not significant.
4. Higher Initial Intent Compared to National Rates: The study revealed a higher initial intent to vaccinate among parents in the cohort compared to earlier surveys and national rates.
5. Need for Enhanced Efforts: The study underscores the need for enhanced efforts to build parental confidence and increase vaccination coverage among children under 5.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Karen Lutrick, klutrick@arizona.edu.

Suggested Citation

Lutrick K, Fowlkes A, Rivers P, et al. Parental Intentions and Perceptions Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Children Aged 4 Months to 4 Years — PROTECT Cohort, Four States, July 2021–May 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1109–1114. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7135a2.

Summary

The study examined changes in parental perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccines for children aged under 5 years, from July 2021 to May 2022, in a longitudinal cohort of 393 children in four states. The study observed a decline in parental intent to vaccinate and in their perception of vaccine safety and effectiveness over a 3-month period. However, after 6 months, the intent to vaccinate and perceptions of vaccine safety returned to baseline levels.

Methods

Participants were surveyed every 3 months as part of the PROTECT study. The study utilized a generalized estimating equation model to evaluate changes in parental responses regarding vaccine intention and perceptions. Both unadjusted and adjusted models were analyzed, including factors like the child’s SARS-CoV-2 infection status, demographics, and study site.

Discussion

The study suggests that parents initially had a high intent to vaccinate their children, but this declined over time, potentially due to factors like pandemic-related events and news about vaccine effectiveness in older children. The recovery of intent and perception of safety to baseline levels after 6 months highlights the dynamic nature of parental decision-making regarding vaccination.

Conclusion

This longitudinal study emphasizes the importance of addressing parental barriers and building confidence in COVID-19 vaccination for children aged under 5 years. It underscores the need for public health efforts to educate parents about the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety in young children.

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