James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH, reviewing Szilagyi PG et al. Pediatrics 2021 Oct

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available for additional pediatric age ranges, understanding why parents might choose or decline vaccination for their children is important. From February to March 2021, investigators conducted a nationally representative survey of 1745 U.S. parents to assess their perceptions about COVID-19 vaccines using the WHO’s Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. Parents reported their intentions for each child in their household, and each parent–child pair was counted separately for analysis.

In 28% of parent–child pairs, parents reported being very likely to vaccinate their child; in 18%, somewhat likely; in 9%, somewhat unlikely; in 33%, very unlikely; and in 12%, unsure. Intent to vaccinate was higher among parents who already had been vaccinated themselves, had older children, and were more educated. Although nearly 60% of respondents agreed that COVID-19 vaccination would be important for their child’s health, more than 70% expressed concerns about serious side effects of the vaccine, and two thirds worried that it had not been around long enough to ensure safety. Pediatric healthcare professionals represented the most trusted source of vaccine information (followed by the U.S. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics); two thirds of parents reported that they would follow their pediatric clinician’s advice about vaccination.