A recent survey conducted by Texas A&M University reveals that a significant number of US parents are inclined to vaccinate their children for various diseases. The study, which involved 5,035 parents of children below 18 years old, found that 41% of respondents had already vaccinated or planned to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Additionally, 63% of participants expressed their intent to vaccinate their children against influenza, and a substantial 71% intended to vaccinate against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
Factors such as concerns about illnesses and trust in healthcare institutions were identified as predictors of vaccination intent. Respondents who held worries about diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, were more likely to pursue vaccination for their children. Similarly, parents who had previously vaccinated their children demonstrated a higher inclination toward vaccinating against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Gender differences were also observed, as women were found to be less inclined than men to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and influenza. Conversely, respondents who indicated the importance of vaccines were more likely to pursue vaccination for COVID-19 and RSV.
Notably, concerns about a link between vaccination and autism were found to be statistically significant only in relation to COVID-19. The study, however, highlights that numerous scientific studies have discredited this association.
Political affiliation also played a role in vaccination intent, with liberals expressing a higher likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19 compared to conservatives. Conversely, Democrats displayed higher odds of seeking RSV vaccination compared to Republicans.
The survey identified doubts about safety, necessity, and a lack of information as the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents.
The authors of the survey study warn that the large number of unvaccinated children could lead to a significant prevalence of preventable diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many US parents surveyed expressed intent to vaccinate their children against COVID-19?
Approximately 41% of the 5,035 parents surveyed had already vaccinated or planned to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.
2. What were the vaccination intent percentages for influenza and RSV?
The survey found that 63% of participants expressed their intent to vaccinate their children against influenza, while 71% intended to vaccinate against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
3. What were the predictors of vaccination intent identified in the study?
Concerns about diseases (COVID-19, influenza, and RSV) and trust in health institutions were identified as predictors of vaccination intent among parents.
4. Were there any gender differences in vaccination intent?
Yes, the study found that women were less likely than men to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and influenza.
5. What were the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy?
Doubts about safety, perceived necessity, and a lack of information were identified as the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Source: Texas A&M University Survey.