An examination of the dynamics of caregivers' race/ethnicity and trusted information sources and Covid-19 vaccine acceptance for children in Alabama

Abstract

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the importance of vaccination for all ages, but vaccine hesitancy among parents/guardians is a barrier to pediatric vaccine uptake. Understanding factors influencing caregivers’ vaccine hesitancy, including trust in information sources, is crucial to improving pediatric vaccination uptake and helping promote health equity.

Methodology

A survey was administered at Children’s of Alabama Hospital emergency department from December 2021 to May 2022, targeting caregivers of children aged 5–17 years. Caregivers were given a tablet to complete the online survey, which was built using the Qualtrics online platform.

Results

Non-Hispanic Black caregivers were more likely to vaccinate their children with the Covid-19 vaccine compared to non-Hispanic White parents. Vaccine acceptance was also higher among caregivers with older children, 14–17 years, and vaccinated parents. White caregivers had statistically significantly lower levels of trust in state leaders, local leaders, and social media. Caregivers expressing some trust in authorities like federal leaders, state leaders, local leaders, and doctors were significantly more likely to vaccinate kids than parents lacking such trust.

Conclusion

Despite facing barriers like systemic racism, non-Hispanic Black caregivers of children expressed greater Covid-19 vaccine acceptance. Parental trust in physicians, community and government leaders, and public health officials significantly predicted vaccine acceptance, highlighting the critical role of trust-building with caregivers in addressing vaccine hesitancy not only for novel vaccines but also for routine and seasonal vaccinations in children.