COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions for Children With Medical Complexity

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Children with medical complexity (CMC) face higher COVID-19 risks.
• Understanding vaccine hesitancy is crucial for increasing vaccination uptake in CMC.
• This study investigates factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intent in CMC parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, clinical, and vaccine perception variables associated with COVID-19 vaccination intent in parents of CMC.
• To inform strategies for improving vaccine uptake among children with medical complexity.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 1330 primary caregivers of CMC (ages 5-17) from June-August 2021.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine associations between vaccination intent and covariates.
• Data collected at an academic medical center in the Midwest.

Main Results:

• 65.8% of families intended to vaccinate their child against COVID-19.
• Younger children (<12 years) had lower vaccination intent; higher illness severity (hospitalization, multiple conditions) was associated with higher intent.
• Parental perception of doctor's recommendation increased intent (aOR 2.82), while concern about side effects decreased intent (aOR 0.18).

Conclusions:

• One-third of CMC families showed vaccine hesitancy, but key factors are modifiable.
• Pediatrician endorsement of COVID-19 vaccines is strongly linked to parental intent.
• Targeted counseling on vaccine side effects may help overcome hesitancy and promote uptake in CMC.