580. Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and routine childhood vaccines – trends in vaccine hesitancy in hospitalized children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is adversely affecting the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, influenza vaccine uptake is suboptimal. We aimed to monitor trends in VH with respect to influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and routine childhood vaccines. Methods We conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver influenza and SARS-CoV-2 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 mo-18 yrs at a large pediatric medical institution. Caregivers were enrolled over 3 influenza seasons (S); 2019-2020 (S1), 2020-2021 (S2), and 2021-2022 (S3). VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥ 50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics were used. Results During 3 influenza seasons, 269/282 (95%), 295/307 (96%), and 384/418 (92%) of approached caregivers were enrolled in S1, S2, and S3 respectively. Most parents (45%) identified as Hispanic/Latino, 35% as White, and 20% as Black/African American. By report, 94% of children in S1, 91% in S2, and 91% in S3 were up-to-date with routine childhood vaccines. Based on PACV score, 13% of parents were VH in 19-20 compared to 17% in 20-21 and 19% in 21-22. Approximately 70% of caregivers gave or planned to give their child the influenza vaccine across seasons. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers were less likely to believe that the “flu can be a dangerous infection in children,” and to agree that “all children over 6 months of age should receive the flu shot every year”. Decreased concern persisted or did not recover during the pandemic (Table 1). Parents were consistently scared of their child getting COVID-19 but fewer (49% versus 38%) were scared of their child getting the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in S3. More (50% versus 71%) caregivers in S3 were willing to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine themselves and 46% in S2 and 54% of caregivers in S3 had or planned to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 (Table 2). Table 1.Influenza comparison of study population, 2019-2020 versus 2020-2021 versus 2021-2022 Table 2. SARS-CoV-2 comparison of study population, 2020-2021 versus 2021-2022 Conclusion Our results suggest a trend that VH may be increasing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers of hospitalized children were less concerned about influenza than pre-pandemic. Intention to vaccinate children against COVID-19 remains suboptimal. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom: Stocks/Bonds|Emmes Corporation: Advisor/Consultant|Intuitive: Stocks/Bonds|Quidel Corporation: Stocks/Bonds|Up to Date: Honoraria|Vapotherm: Stocks/Bonds.