Parental Hesitancy and Attitude Concerning COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Side Effects in Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region

Background Vaccine hesitancy poses a substantial challenge to the field of public health. There are various factors that influence the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children. Addressing the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy within the community has the potential to facilitate the development of more effective approaches for global vaccination initiatives. This study aims to assess parents' perspectives regarding the immunization of children aged five to 12 against COVID-19, including their experiences with adverse effects, as well as the factors that influence their hesitancy or acceptance of the vaccine in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional study utilized an independently administered online questionnaire. The validated questionnaire was distributed to study participants through social networking platforms in order to recruit individuals from various locations in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam, Al-Hassa, Al-Jubail, Ras Tanura, Dhahran, Al-Khobar, and Al-Qatif. Results The study encompassed a total of 399 participants. The most commonly reported adverse effects among the first and second children were pain at the injection site (1st child: 267 (66.70%), second child: 263 (66.20%)) and fever (1st child: 171 (43.10%), second child: 187 (47.50%)). A significant proportion of the participants, specifically 139 individuals (35%), expressed apprehension regarding immunization. This concern stemmed from various factors, including the fear of experiencing adverse effects, skepticism regarding the vaccine's efficacy, and exposure to potentially harmful information about the vaccine. Ninety-nine participants, accounting for 25% of the sample, indicated their agreement with the safety of COVID-19. Additionally, 104 participants, constituting 26% of the sample, held the belief that receiving vaccination aids in the prevention of severe illnesses caused by COVID-19. Notably, the most prevalent reason for vaccine hesitancy among participants was the fear of experiencing adverse effects. A total of 132 individuals, accounting for 33% of the participants, identified healthcare providers, including physicians and scientists, as reliable and trustworthy sources of vaccine information. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the demographic variables of the participants and their acceptance of the vaccine. Conclusion The study observed an acceptable vaccination rate among children aged five to 12 for the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on the investigation results, the primary apprehension expressed by parents regarding the immunization of their offspring pertained to the potential negative consequences associated with the vaccine. Nonetheless, it was observed that adverse effects were reported in less than fifty percent of vaccinated children. Addressing the concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccination can enhance global participation in the immunization program aimed at mitigating future pandemics.