Factors Affecting Parental Intent to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in Kansas.

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccines have been highly effective in reducing severe illness and death from COVID-19, yet vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to further lowering the incidence of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing parental decisions about COVID-19 vaccination for their children in Kansas, including demographic variables, trust in medical professionals, vaccine safety, and the impact of misinformation.

Methods: Data were analyzed from Phase 3.7, Week 53 of the United States Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey (N = 68,504), collected between January 4 and January 16, 2023. The analysis focused on data specific to the state of Kansas (N = 1,231), using standard descriptive statistics to assess the findings.

Results: The respondents were predominantly middle-aged, female, and Caucasian, with a high level of educational attainment and health insurance coverage. Among respondents, 45.7% (n = 563) had children under 18 living in their household. Of these, 73.5% (n = 414) expressed concerns that led them to refrain from vaccinating their children against COVID-19. The primary reasons for hesitancy included concerns about potential side effects, distrust in the vaccine's safety for children, and the belief that their children were not part of a high-risk group for having severe illness with COVID-19.

Conclusions: These findings underscore persistent concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy among parents, even within a relatively well-educated and insured population. Addressing these concerns with targeted public health messaging and education could be essential in increasing vaccination rates among children in Kansas.