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Mothers' intentions to vaccinate their children for COVID-19
Shruthi Venkatesh1, Alexandra Gill2, Lauren Kim2
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
Insights
Mothers
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Public health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Parental vaccine decisions are critical for child and community health.
- COVID-19 pandemic heightened concerns regarding childhood vaccination.
- Understanding factors influencing maternal vaccine intent is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing mothers' intent to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.
- To examine predictors of maternal vaccine acceptance before vaccines were approved for younger children.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 176 mothers in California (February-April 2021).
- Data collected on maternal demographics, child characteristics, and vaccine intentions.
- Statistical analysis (regression) to determine significant predictors.
Main Results:
- Perceived threat of COVID-19 significantly predicted maternal intent to vaccinate.
- Child's age, socioeconomic status (SES), and prior flu vaccination history were positive predictors.
- Maternal intent was influenced by perceived risk and child's health history.
Conclusions:
- Maternal perception of COVID-19 threat is a key driver of vaccination intention.
- Child's age and prior vaccination history are important considerations for parents.
- Findings inform public health strategies to improve childhood vaccination rates.
Abstract:
Parents' intentions to vaccinate their children is an important area of investigation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a growing body of research examining factors that influence parents' vaccine intentions. The current study investigated factors that would influence maternal intent to vaccinate their children for COVID-19, shortly before the CDC approved vaccines for children 11 and younger. We had a sample of n = 176 mothers (Mchildage = 71.63 months, 52% White) from California fill out an online survey during February-April 2021. Our results suggest that perceived COVID-19 threat predicts mothers' intention to vaccinate their children (b = 0.370, p < 0.001), controlling for mothers' age, socioeconomic status, race, and child age. Child age (b = 0.027, p = 0.008), SES (b = 0.396, p = 0.018), and child previous flu shot (b = 0.725, p < 0.001) also positively predicted mothers' intention to vaccinate their children. Results are discussed in light of prior research on maternal vaccine intentions and hesitancy.
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