Parental Hesitancy Research Articles

Parental Hesitancy towards the Established Childhood Vaccination Programmes in the COVID-19 Era: Assessing the Drivers of a Challenging Public Health Concern.

(1) Background: Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health concern. The reasons behind this attitude are complex and warrant careful consideration, especially in the context of the COVID-19 era. The purpose of this study was to estimate vaccine hesitancy towards the established childhood immunization programmes in a non-random sample of Greek parents and explore possible links with important drivers of this phenomenon. (2) Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire was used from October 2020 to April 2021 to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health status data and evaluate knowledge, views, and attitudes of the Greek population on COVID-19 pandemic-related issues. Parents were further asked to complete the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) questionnaire. (3) Results: A total of 1095 parents participated in the study with a mean age of 50 years (SD 9.5 years). The hesitancy against the established childhood vaccinations was estimated at 8.9% (95% CI, 7.3–10.8%). Married status and higher education and income were negatively correlated with hesitancy, whereas positive correlations were found for stress and depressive symptoms and current smoking. Variables related to proper awareness, sound knowledge, and trust toward authorities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic were strongly associated with being less hesitant against the established childhood vaccination programmes. (4) Conclusion: The estimated parental hesitancy against the established childhood vaccination programmes is worrisome. Variables related to good awareness and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic were strongly associated with being less hesitant against childhood vaccinations. Since controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations may decrease parents’ confidence in routine childhood vaccinations, appreciating the complex reasons behind vaccine hesitancy may inform public health policies to overcome barriers and increase vaccine acceptance.

IMMUNIZATION STATUS AMONG UNDER 5 CHILDREN – OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTER.

Background:Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to prevent the transmission of vaccine preventable disease and decrease childhood morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE : 1. To estimate the immunisation status among under 5 children. 2. To identify the prevalence of vaccine hesitant parents using Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccinations (PACV) survey and analyse the demographic factors associated with vaccine hesitant parents. Methods and Analysis: Across sectional observational study was carried out in children aged 1 to 5 years attending Outpatient department (OPD) and Inpatient department (IPD) at RLJalappa Hospital , Kolar from May 2021 to July 2021. Data was collected by direct interview of parents by the primary investigator and review of medical records using internally validated pre designed questionnaire. Descriptive Data was analyzed for percentages and qualitative variables were tested using Fischer exact test. Results : Out of 200 cases, 85.5% of the cases were fully immunized, 14.5% of the cases were dropouts. Rate of vaccine hesitancy were 56% and 89% among fully immunized and dropout children. Overall vaccine hesitancy is 61%. Conclusion : 61% of parents were found to be vaccine hesitant using PACV15 scale. Vaccine hesitancy is high among dropouts (89%). Majority of Vaccine hesitancy was seen among mothers who are low educational qualications, unskilled laborers, poor socioeconomic status, female child, rst order child. Hence, focus on education of these high risk groups will help in improving the immunization status.

Recommending Human Papillomavirus Vaccination at Age 9: A National Survey of Primary Care Professionals.

Several US health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, now encourage primary care professionals to recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination before the traditionally targeted ages of 11 to 12 years as a strategy to increase vaccination timeliness. To understand the feasibility of this approach, we sought to evaluate primary care professionals' current recommendation timing and willingness to recommend HPV vaccination at age 9. A national sample of 1047 primary care professionals completed our online survey in 2021. Respondents were physicians (71%), advanced practitioners (17%), and nurses (12%). About one-fifth (21%) of primary care professionals reported that they already routinely recommend HPV vaccination at ages 9 to 10. Among the remaining 822 respondents, over half (61%) reported being somewhat or more willing to start recommending at age 9. Willingness was higher among those working in family medicine versus pediatrics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.92), but lower among those with ≥20 years of practice experience versus ≤9 years (aOR: 0.65, 95% CI 0.44, 0.96). Many primary care professionals believed age 9 recommendations would have the advantage of protecting adolescents before HPV exposure (67%) or increasing vaccination timeliness (55%). The most commonly perceived disadvantage was that parents are not ready to talk about HPV vaccination at age 9 (73%). Over two-thirds of primary care professionals in our national sample reported they recommend HPV vaccination at ages 9 to 10 or are somewhat or more willing to do so. Training may be needed to help primary care professionals address perceived parental hesitancy toward age 9 recommendations.

Parents' Hesitancy to Vaccinate Their Children Against COVID-19, a Country-Wide Survey.

ObjectiveParents' hesitancy (PH) toward childhood vaccination, including the vaccine of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is one of the top public health threats. We aim to assess the PH toward children COVID-19 vaccination as compared to PH toward children routine vaccination among the residents of Saudi Arabia.MethodBefore the official approval of children's COVID-19 vaccination in the country, a cross-sectional study using an electronically distributed survey was performed. Responses from parents of children younger than 18 years of age were accepted. The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale (OC19-VHS) and the routine vaccination hesitancy scale (R-VHS) were used. Parents were classified as hesitant, non-hesitant, and unsure.ResultsBetween June 18th−30th, 2021, we included 1,052 parents. More than half of the parents were positive toward the childhood COVID-19 vaccination (63%) while 10% were unsure. Higher parental hesitancy toward children COVID-19 vaccination among mothers, parents younger than 40 years, did not receive COVID-19 nor influenza vaccines, had higher educational levels, and parents who recovered from COVID-19 infection. Hesitancy was mainly driven by the novelty of the vaccines and the fear of serious adverse effects. Compared to the routine vaccination, parents were more hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccination (6 vs. 27%).ConclusionGenerally, parents in Saudi Arabia were positive toward children's COVID-19 vaccination. Focused education to reassure hesitant parents on the safety of the vaccine is essential to achieve larger vaccination coverage.

Parental and provider vaccine hesitancy and non-timely childhood vaccination in Switzerland

ObjectiveAlthough medical providers are a trusted vaccination information source for parents, they do not universally support vaccination. Complementary medicine (CM) providers are particularly likely to hold vaccine hesitant (VH) views, and VH parents often consult with them. Little research compares VH of parents and providers, and if and how each is associated with uptake of recommended childhood vaccines. MethodsWe defined non-timely receipt as recommended vaccines given > 1 month later than officially recommended, based on vaccination records. We administered versions of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) 5-item survey instrument to 1256 parents and their children’s pediatricians (N = 112, 40 CM-oriented, 72 biomedical [not CM-oriented]) to identify moderately (PACV-score 5–6) and highly (PACV-score 7+) hesitant providers/parents. We obtained multivariable adjusted odds ratios to test relationships between parental VH and provider type/VH, and between non-timely receipt of selected childhood vaccines and parental VH and provider type/VH. ResultsNo biomedical providers were VH, 9 CM providers were moderately VH, and 17 were highly VH. Parents seeing moderately and highly hesitant providers had adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for being VH = 6.6 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.1–14.0) and AOR = 31.3 (95% CI 16.8–58.3), respectively. Across all vaccine uptake endpoints, children of moderately and highly hesitant parents had 1.9–3.8 and 7.1–12.3 higher odds of non-timely vaccination, and children seeing highly hesitant CM providers had 4.9–9.4 higher odds. Children seeing moderately hesitant CM providers had 3.3 higher odds of non-timely vaccination for the 1st dose of measles and 3.5 higher odds for 1st dose of polio/pertussis/tetanus. ConclusionVH by both parents and providers each is associated with non-timely childhood vaccination. As VH parents are more likely to consult with VH providers, interventions aimed at increasing timely vaccination need to primarily target VH providers and their clients.

Effective Approaches to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy.

Effective Approaches to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy.

Parental vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus

PurposeThis study assessed parental vaccine hesitancy in a metropolitan area of the United States. The study aimed to determine what characteristics and contributing factors influenced parental vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding COVID-19. Design and methodsAn online survey was used to recruit 93 parents to answer demographic and vaccine hesitancy information. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey. The study was conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsThe rate of vaccine hesitancy was 15%. One hundred percent of vaccine hesitant parents were mothers, at least 30 years of age, married, and had completed at least some college. When characteristics of vaccine hesitant parents were compared to non-hesitant parents, the hesitant parents reported having more children, with 93% reporting two or more children compared to only 74% of non-hesitant parents (p = 0.046). Fifty percent of hesitant parents reported no concerns regarding COVID-19 compared to only 20% of non-hesitant parents (p = 0.006), and significantly less hesitant parents reported willingness to have their children receive a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine if it were available compared to non-hesitant parents (p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur findings indicate that older mothers with two or more children are more likely to be vaccine hesitant and this hesitancy extends to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Practice implicationsHealthcare providers can use the results of this study to identify parents at risk for vaccine hesitancy and initiate individualized education to promote on-time childhood vaccination.

A discussion paper on how to communicate with vaccine hesitant parents: top 10 tips for effective communication

A discussion paper on how to communicate with vaccine hesitant parents: top 10 tips for effective communication

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Adolescents 12-17 Years Old: Examining Pediatric Vaccine Hesitancy Among Racially Diverse Parents in the United States.

As of December 8, 2021, 9.9 million U.S. adolescents ages 12–17 years old remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) despite FDA emergency approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use among this age group in May 2021. A slow-down in adolescent vaccine uptake and increased likelihood of hospitalization among unvaccinated youth highlight the importance of understanding parental hesitancy in vaccinating their adolescent children against COVID-19. Racial/ethnic disparities in pediatric COVID-19 infection and hospitalization further underscore the need to examine parental vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among diverse U.S. parent populations. In October 2021, 242 Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian, Black, and White parents of adolescents ages 12–17 years participated in a national online survey assessing determinants of COVID-19 pediatric vaccine hesitancy. Compared to Asian, Black, and Hispanic parents, non-Hispanic White parents reported reduced odds of having vaccinated their adolescent. Bivariate analyses and a multivariable binomial logistic regression indicated that identification as non-Hispanic White, parental COVID-19 vaccine status and safety measures, COVID-19 misconceptions, general vaccine mistrust and COVID-19 related collectivist and individualist attitudes accounted for 45.5% of the variance in the vaccine status of their adolescent children. Our findings draw attention to the urgent need to consider the COVID-19 beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of parents from diverse racial/ethnic groups in developing population tailored public health messaging to increase adolescent COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Levels of Parental Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Hesitancy and Their Reasons for Not Intending to Vaccinate: Insights From the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen

PurposeA nuanced understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is key to tailoring public health interventions to reach HPV vaccination goals in the United States. We aimed to understand the spectrum of parental vaccine hesitancy and identify reasons for lack of vaccination. MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen, we examined parents of adolescents aged 13–17 years who had not initiated HPV vaccination. Parents who did not intend to vaccinate their child in the next year were classified into three categories: “unsure,” “somewhat hesitant,” or “very hesitant.” Survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with level of vaccine hesitancy. ResultsOf the 13,090 parents of unvaccinated adolescents, 8,253 (63%) were hesitant. Among those, 63% were very hesitant, 29% were somewhat hesitant, and 8% were unsure. Parents who had received a provider recommendation were less likely to be unsure (adjusted relative risk ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.2–0.4) or somewhat hesitant (adjusted relative risk ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.6–0.9). Compared with non-Hispanic White parents, parents of minority race/ethnicity adolescents were more likely to be unsure versus very hesitant. Safety concerns/side effects were the most common reason for lack of intent to vaccinate among very (30%) and somewhat hesitant parents (20%), whereas lack of provider recommendation was the most common reason among unsure parents (34%). DiscussionWe identify three distinct levels of HPV vaccine hesitancy and demonstrate that the characteristics and reasons for lack of vaccination differ among these levels. Understanding a parent’s level of hesitancy may help maximize the potential impact of public health interventions to reach HPV vaccination goals.

An Informed Approach to Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Children.

The tremendous success of vaccination programs worldwide over the past two centuries has produced a paradoxical effect whereby a lack of exposure to the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases has created an environment in which fear of the side effects of vaccines can overshadow concerns about the impact of the diseases they are meant to prevent. As vaccine hesitancy grew over the past twenty years, states passed legislation, such as non-medical exemptions from vaccination, that have cultivated pockets of poor vaccine uptake allowing for the return of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified mistrust of vaccines, impacting both the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and the attributes of vaccine hesitant parents. Because unimmunized children are at increased risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and associated cancers, as well as reduced access to adequate healthcare, they are a particularly vulnerable population warranting special protections and support. A comprehensive approach to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote uptake should include a focus on evidence-based initiatives at the legislative, practice, and provider levels. These strategies can substantively inform health policy, from upstream legislation strengthening school mandates and eliminating non-medical exemptions to downstream policies that impact provider conversations about immunization.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ABSTRACT Background COVID-19 vaccines are critical tools to manage the current pandemic. The objective of this study is to assess determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional study of parents were performed, who had at least one child aged 5–17 years. The data were collected by a self-report questionnaire, which was based, predominately, on the Health Belief Model (HBM), between January 21 and 20 April 2021. The main outcome of this study aims to investigate the self-reported parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for their children that has been approved by health authorities in Vietnam. Results A total of 1,015 parents completed the survey. Parental COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy for their children (26.2%) was decreased with blue-collar workers, intended to get vaccinated themselves, indicated sufficient knowledge toward COVID-19, and their older children reported having comorbidities. In the HBM structure, the barriers were positively related to parents’ hesitancy to vaccinate their children, whilst perceived susceptibility and severity to illness, benefits of vaccination, and cues to action were less likely to cause a refusal of a vaccination for their children (all p < 0.05). The reasons for vaccine hesitancy included, predominately, concerns about side effects (81.6%), and vaccine safety (76.3%). Conclusion The findings show that almost a quarter of the study population are hesitant to vaccinate their children. Factors were associated with parental vaccination hesitancy for their children include sufficient knowledge of the COVID-19, older children and those with chronic conditions, and domains of HBM like the perception of susceptibility and severity to illness, benefit and barriers of vaccination, and cues to action. These will contribute to make planning in health communication strategies for the upcoming vaccination campaigns, as well as managing the pandemic.

How low can you go? Justified hesitancy and the ethics of childhood vaccination against COVID-19

This paper explores some of the ethical issues around offering COVID-19 vaccines to children. My main conclusion is rather paradoxical: the younger we go, the stronger the grounds for justified...

Weighing up the risks — Vaccine decision-making in pregnancy and parenting

BackgroundImmunisation is universally accepted as one of the most significant health initiatives in recent times. However, vaccine hesitancy is increasing in Australia and other high- and middle-income countries. There is evidence to suggest that many parents, even those who elect to immunise, may have a degree of vaccine hesitancy. The recommendation of a healthcare professional is a predictor for vaccine uptake. AimThe purpose of this study was to explore the values, beliefs and choices made by vaccine hesitant parents and pregnant women, regarding their decision not to vaccinate their child or children. The aim being to determine the factors that influence this decision making and to give a voice to vaccine hesitant parents. MethodsA qualitative exploratory online survey of 106 vaccine hesitant parents and pregnant women was conducted in 2021. The survey utilised closed and open-ended questions. FindingsPregnant women and parents obtained most of their immunisation education from nurses, midwives, and general practitioners. Vaccine decision-making was however, influenced by multiple factors including vaccine safety concerns, the sources of information accessed, and a previous negative immunisation experience. Other influential factors included the use of alternative therapies, diet, and lifestyle factors. DiscussionAlong with general practitioners, nurses and midwives are a popular, respected and a vital source in the provision of accurate and timely immunisation education. However, further education is required at an undergraduate level to adequately prepare them for their role of listening to and educating vaccine hesitant pregnant women and parents.

Pediatric primary care immunization policies in New York State

IntroductionPractice immunization policies may reflect how their physicians and nurses approach vaccine hesitant parents. This study utilized New York State primary care practices’ websites to locate immunization policies for pediatric patients and collect practice-level data. MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, we extracted website data in February/March of 2019. We first conducted a qualitative content analysis using the policy text and developed definitions of practice policy types (i.e., formal, informal, or no policy). Two authors independently reviewed and coded the text, and employed consensus meetings and feedback from the third author to finalize the content analysis. We then examined associations between practice-level characteristics and immunization policy presence through categorical data analysis. ResultsOf the 254 practice websites identified, 36 referred to formal immunization policies that may include consequences (e.g., dismissal) for refusing to vaccinate or not fully vaccinating, and 64 referred to informal policy statements supporting immunization. Most (89%) policies included appeals to scientific and/or professional authority. Almost all (92%) contained language tailored to potential reasons for parents’ vaccine hesitancy. Our categorical analyses indicate that majority-pediatrician practices are associated with the presence of either formal or informal immunization policies (p < 0.001). Our results also suggest regional variation in the presence of such policies across New York state, although statistical significance is not achieved. ConclusionsVaccine hesitancy in the pediatric population has become a global concern due to infectious disease outbreaks, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies may examine whether practice-level policies are effective in improving local immunization rates.

Understanding medical mistrust and HPV vaccine hesitancy among multiethnic parents in Los Angeles.

Determinants of parental HPV vaccine hesitancy, including medical mistrust and exposure to negative vaccine information, are understudied in racial/ethnic minority communities where vaccine uptake is low. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (March 2021) among parents of adolescents, ages 9–17 years, from an academic enrichment program serving low-income, first-generation, underrepresented minority families in Los Angeles to understand determinants of parental HPV vaccine hesitancy. Parents completed self-administered surveys, including a 9-item HPV vaccine hesitancy scale, in either English, Spanish, or Chinese. Logistic regression was used to identify individual and interpersonal factors associated with parental hesitancy and adolescent HPV vaccination. One-fifth of parents (n = 357) reported high HPV vaccine hesitancy and > 50% reported concerns about safety or side effects. High medical mistrust was associated with high parental HPV vaccine hesitancy (adjusted-OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.37). Community-tailored and multilevel strategies to increase vaccine confidence are needed to improve HPV and other adolescent vaccinations.

Parental thoughts after the Codroipo case: the other side of the story.

To address vaccine hesitancy and to build public trust, many factors need to be considered in the process of planning consistent public health interventions. After uncertain vaccinations of the Codroipo case, hesitant parents were surveyed about own beliefs and trusted sources of information. A semi-structured phone survey was conducted between December 2017 and February 2018, collecting also age and educational level of respondents. The most trusted sources of information of the 258 surveyed parents were pediatricians (27.2%), general practitioners (25.4%) and institutional channels (12.1%). Highly educated parents trusted self-study of the scientific literature and expressed doubts about vaccine effectiveness more than others (p=0.0018). Despite the underlying improper vaccination issue undermined public trust, healthcare professionals and institutional channels maintained their role as trusted sources of information. Educational patterns emerged among doubtful parents should be considered by public health policies to effectively tackle vaccine hesitancy.

Identifying the Roles of Medical Providers when Addressing Barriers to HPV Vaccination Rates in Rural NE Clinics

Background: Although many interventions to address vaccine hesitancy until now have operated on the presumption that misperceptions are due to a lack of knowledge about HPV and the vaccine, this may not always be the reason behind vaccine hesitancy. Nyhan et. al found [1] that correcting myths about vaccines- such as autism links or vaccine side effects- do not increase vaccine rates among adolescents. Medical providers play a crucial role on influencing parents’ decision to vaccinate. In a study exploring how vaccination coverage among children 19-35 months old is associated with health care providers' influence on the parents' decision to vaccinate, parents who report their providers as being influential in the study are twice as likely to respond that vaccines are safe for children [2]. In the 2016 Clinical Report on Countering Vaccine Hesitancy by the American Academy of Pediatrics, motivational interviewing is listed as a potential communication technique that may be useful as pediatricians discuss vaccines with vaccine-hesitant parents. Research Question: The research attempting to find the best approaches to reverse the increasing rates of unvaccinated minors is limited and inconclusive. This project addressed the impact of medical providers’ attitudes of HPV vaccination on their early adolescent patient populations. Methods: Our cohort prospective study first examined medical providers’ baseline attitudes and approaches of HPV vaccination in privately insured clinics in rural areas of Nebraska. A survey was sent to eleven Phase III patient centered medical home (PCMH) NE clinics. The survey assessed medical staffs’ attitudes and approaches to HPV vaccination, particularly among specific patient age groups. In addition to each clinic’s collective survey responses, baseline HPV vaccination data was collected at eleven Phase 3 PCMH rural clinics in Nebraska for pediatric patients 11-15-years-old. The follow-up intervention implemented educational interventions in the clinics to increase HPV vaccination rates for pediatric patients 9-15-years-old. Our educational outreach program at the selected 10-13 clinics will serve as these rural clinics’ first efforts to selectively work toward improving HPV vaccination rates. Results: America’s Health Rankings (2017) found 42.4% of adolescents living in rural areas compared to 52.4% in urban areas are up-to-date on their HPV immunizations. The eleven rural clinics selected for the study show only a 0.9% completion of the vaccine series for 9-11-year-old patients (n=855), and 25.0% completion of the series for 12-15-year-old patients (n=1268) as of 2019. This implies a pressing health disparity that needs addressing in rural Nebraskan communities. 92.6% of all respondents chose the 12-15 age range as the patient population the clinics would typically ask about the vaccine versus 59.6% who chose the 9-11 age range. The most chosen reason for not mentioning the HPV vaccine is “parents previously voiced vaccine hesitancy” (33.3%) followed by “not enough clinic time” (22.2%). The most popular reason contributing to parental hesitancy is “they have concerns the vaccine is not safe for their child” (70.4%). The greatest benefit of the HPV vaccine was listed as “prevention from multiple forms of cancer” (33.3%) and the greatest drawbacks were both “multiple dose series completion” (40.7%) and “difficulty in convincing parents to vaccinate minors” (40.7%). The 9-11 age range was chosen as the most difficult age group to vaccinate (33.3%). The most difficult scenarios when addressing HPV vaccination concerns were “lack of vaccine education” (55.6%), “religious reasons against the vaccine (44.4%), and “language/cultural barriers” (37%). Qualitative results were also analyzed separately and focused on each individual clinic’s strengths and weaknesses regarding vaccination encouragement. Discussion: The baseline patient data show that clinics selected for the study exhibit a large disparity of HPV vaccination rates among a vulnerable age group. Survey responses show both a clinical observation regarding parents’ low-level education levels about the HPV vaccine as well as a lack of comfort engaging in open dialogue between patients and healthcare personnel. Focusing on these two variables alone could help increase rates of vaccination significantly. Survey results ultimately illustrate the urgent need for empirically-supported educational resources that will enhance communication- both within individual clinics among staff as well as between medical staff and patients’ families- to sustainably increase HPV vaccination rates across rural clinics.

Free Papers Compiled

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:COVID Vaccine has been recently approved for children less than 18 years in India. Health care providers are consistently cited as the most important resource for vaccine information by ‘Vaccine Hesitant Parents ’VHPs, and provider recommendation for vaccination is crucial for improving vaccine uptake.So the study aims to assess in Healthcare professionals, the Prevalence of parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and their knowledge, attitude, beliefs and perception towards paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.MATERIALS AND METHODS-A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a Snowball Sampling Technique, through a self- designed web-based questionnaire among the Health-care Professionals having children less than 18 years of age across India after taking Ethics Approval.RESULTS:Prevalence of Hesitancy among health care professionals regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is 3.3%. Significant correlation was seen between those who wanted to vaccinate their children and the ones who had taken vaccine themselves (p=0.00). The most important source of information was internet and social media (34.3%). About 90% of the participants were aware about the vaccine and knew about its side effects and contraindications. Majority of the people believed in usefulness of vaccine in preventing infection (p=0.008) and in reducing severity (p= 0.009). 90% of the people understood importance of vaccine and feel it is a need for community at large (p=0.00).DISCUSSION-There is a reduction in hesitancy for Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine as compared to adult vaccine among HCWs as shown in other studies which shows increased trust and positive attitude and beliefs towards vaccine.CONCLUSION-The prevalence of Vaccine Hesitancy was found to be 3.3%. Majority of the participants had positive beliefs and attitude towards pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine, thus can contribute towards Acceptance in community at large.

Prof M. Murugappan Poster Award

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:COVID Vaccine has been recently approved for children less than 18 years in India. Health care providers are consistently cited as the most important resource for vaccine information by ‘Vaccine Hesitant Parents ’VHPs, and provider recommendation for vaccination is crucial for improving vaccine uptake.So the study aims to assess in Healthcare professionals, the Prevalence of parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and their knowledge, attitude, beliefs and perception towards paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.MATERIALS AND METHODS-A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a Snowball Sampling Technique, through a self- designed web-based questionnaire among the Health-care Professionals having children less than 18 years of age across India after taking Ethics Approval.RESULTS:Prevalence of Hesitancy among health care professionals regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is 3.3%. Significant correlation was seen between those who wanted to vaccinate their children and the ones who had taken vaccine themselves (p=0.00). The most important source of information was internet and social media (34.3%). About 90% of the participants were aware about the vaccine and knew about its side effects and contraindications. Majority of the people believed in usefulness of vaccine in preventing infection (p=0.008) and in reducing severity (p= 0.009). 90% of the people understood importance of vaccine and feel it is a need for community at large (p=0.00).DISCUSSION-There is a reduction in hesitancy for Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine as compared to adult vaccine among HCWs as shown in other studies which shows increased trust and positive attitude and beliefs towards vaccine.CONCLUSION-The prevalence of Vaccine Hesitancy was found to be 3.3%. Majority of the participants had positive beliefs and attitude towards pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine, thus can contribute towards Acceptance in community at large.