A recent survey conducted by Texas A&M University sheds light on the vaccination intentions of US parents regarding COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for their children this fall and winter. According to the study published in the journal Vaccine, 41% of parents surveyed either had already vaccinated their children against COVID-19 or intended to do so. Additionally, 63% reported their intention to vaccinate against influenza, and a majority of 71% expressed their plans to vaccinate their children against RSV.
Factors influencing parents’ intentions to vaccinate their children included concerns about these illnesses and their trust in health institutions. The survey revealed that parents who had previously vaccinated their children were more likely to pursue COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccinations for their children. Moreover, respondents who considered vaccines important were also more inclined to pursue COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations for their children. Among the respondents, worries regarding a nonexistent link between vaccination and autism were statistically significant only for COVID-19.
Some notable disparities were observed based on gender and political affiliation. Women were less likely to indicate their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and influenza, while political conservatives were less inclined to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 compared to liberals. The survey also highlighted that Democrats expressed higher odds of seeking RSV vaccination for their children.
Despite these intentions, concerns regarding vaccine safety, the necessity of vaccination, and a lack of information were identified as the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents.
The study’s authors warned that the large number of unvaccinated children can lead to a notable increase in the prevalence of these diseases. Vaccination plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of widespread infections and safeguarding the health of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the objective of the survey?
The survey aimed to explore the vaccination intentions of US parents regarding COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for their children during the coming fall and winter seasons.
Q: How many parents participated in the survey?
A total of 5,035 parents of children under the age of 18 participated in the survey.
Q: What were the major factors influencing parents’ intentions to vaccinate their children?
The survey revealed that concerns about the diseases, trust in health institutions, previous vaccination history, and the perception of vaccine importance were among the factors influencing parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children.
Q: Were there any notable differences based on gender and political affiliation?
Yes, the survey found that women were less likely to indicate their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and influenza. Political conservatives exhibited less inclination to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 compared to liberals.
Q: What were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents?
The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy reported by parents were concerns regarding vaccine safety, the need for vaccination, and a lack of information.