Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination and Intention to Vaccinate Children Among a Childbearing Population (in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania)

Abstract

Introduction

COVID-19 vaccination inequities persist in the U.S. despite all individuals aged ≥6 months being eligible for vaccination. The authors sought to (1) identify factors associated with maternal COVID-19 vaccination, (2) identify factors associated with maternal intent to vaccinate children against COVID-19, and (3) explore Black–White differences in maternal vaccination status and intent to vaccinate children in a childbearing population in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Methods

From May to August 2022, the authors cross-sectionally surveyed 186 participants from the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (approximately 24–48 months postpartum) regarding COVID-19 vaccination status (i.e., at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine), intent to vaccinate children against COVID-19, and sources of COVID-19 information. Descriptive characteristics were estimated by race, and log-binomial regression was used with adjustments for key covariates (e.g., maternal demographics and factors) associated with intent to vaccinate children against COVID-19.

Results

The majority (81.2%) of participants reported receiving at least 1 dose of the original COVID-19 vaccines. About half (53.7%) of Black participants had received at least 1 dose, compared with 88.7% of White participants. A total of 107 (57.5%) participants had high intent to vaccinate their children, with 97.2% being vaccinated themselves. Not receiving a vaccine was negatively associated with intent to vaccinate children (adjusted RR=0.18; CI=0.06, 0.49).

Conclusions

These analyses reveal racial inequities in maternal vaccination against COVID-19. Findings highlight the need to tailor vaccine programming for families to positively impact future behaviors regarding COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for children.