Vaccine Hesitancy in the Time of COVID-19: Attitudes and Intentions of Teens and Parents Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine

Amy B Middleman, Judy Klein, Jane Quinn, Amy B Middleman, Judy Klein, Jane Quinn

Abstract

To assess attitudes and intentions related to the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, we surveyed adolescents aged 13-18 years and the parents of 13-18-year-olds using national research panels on three occasions or "waves": before the COVID-19 vaccine was available, after it was available for adults, and after it was available for ages ≥12 years. Data on experiences with COVID-19, the importance of adolescent vaccines, and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed across time points. We found that parental concerns about vaccine safety significantly increased from Wave 1 to 2. Social media had a negative influence on parents' and adolescents' opinions about vaccine safety. Demographic variables were associated with vaccination rates reported in Wave 3, consistent with known inequities related to vaccine access. Parents (70%) were supportive of concomitant COVID-19 vaccination with other adolescent vaccines for teens. It is important to address variables associated with vaccine hesitancy to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates in the US.

Keywords: COVID-19; adolescents; parents; social media; teens; vaccine; vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy.

Conflict of interest statement

Middleman’s institution entered into a service agreement within the past 24 months with Pfizer for research regarding shared clinical decision making and the MenB vaccine; Middleman served as the principal investigator.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Parental rating of the importance of vaccines for teens. Question: How important is vaccination against these diseases to your teen’s health? Four-point scale, extremely important/very important/somewhat important/not at all important. Note: An upper-case letter indicates a significant difference (p < 0.05) in proportion from the column indicated by the letter.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Parents’ willingness to have their teen get the COVID-19 and routine vaccines together. Survey question: The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics support giving other recommended childhood and adolescent immunizations at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for children and teens who are behind on their immunizations. Are you willing to have your teen get COVID-19 vaccine and routine vaccines they may need at the same time? Survey follow-up question: Since you selected No or Not Sure, please select any of the following that explain your answer or add your own comment. Select all that apply; * reduced base = No/Not sure.

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