National Study of Youth Opinions on Vaccination for COVID-19 in the U.S

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination among youth.

Methods: Open-ended questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were posed to a national cohort of 14- to 24-year-olds (October 30, 2020). Responses were coded through qualitative thematic analysis. Multivariable logistic regression tested the association of demographic characteristics with vaccination unwillingness.

Results: Among 911 respondents (response rate = 79.4%), 75.9% reported willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 42.7% had unconditional willingness, and 33.3% were conditionally willing, of which the majority (80.7%) were willing if experts deemed vaccination safe and recommended. Preferred vaccine information sources were medical organizations (42.3%; CDC, WHO) and health care professionals (31.7%). Frequent concerns with vaccination included side effects (36.2%) and efficacy (20.1%). Race predicted vaccination unwillingness (Black: odds ratio = 3.31; and Asian: odds ratio = .46, compared with white, p < .001).

Conclusion: Most youth in our national sample were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when they believe it is safe and recommended. Public health experts and organizations must generate youth-centered materials that directly address their vaccination concerns.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mixed methods; Vaccine; Youth.