Attitude and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in Parents and Adolescents: A Nationwide Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use in adolescents aged 12-17 years; however, there is concern and uncertainty regarding the safety and necessity of COVID-19 vaccination. A survey was carried out to assess the attitudes and acceptance towards vaccination in adolescents.

Methods: A nationwide web-based survey was conducted among adolescents aged 12-17 years and their parents between June 29 and July 8, 2021 on a platform provided by the Ministry of Education.

Results: A total of 341,326 parents and 272,914 adolescents participated in this study. Intention for vaccination was 69.1% for adolescents, and 72.2% of parents reported they would recommend vaccination for their child. Among adolescents, perception of safety (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.95-4.22), effectiveness (OR 2.24, 95% CI 2.17-2.32), and risk-benefit (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.72-1.78) had the highest impact on intention for vaccination. Also, perceived risk (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12-1.17), severity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.10-1.13) for COVID-19 infection, self-health perception (OR 1.12, 95%, CI 1.10-1.14) and recent vaccination of childhood vaccines (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19-1.32) were related to intention for COVID-19 vaccination. On the other hand, self-perceived knowledge (OR 0.96, 95% 0.95-0.98) was related to vaccine hesitancy. Gender or school district did not influence intention for COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents.

Discussion: Decisions on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents should be a shared process between adolescents, parents, and physicians based on updated information on safety and effectiveness.

Keywords: Adolescent; COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccines; Child; Korea; SARS-CoV-2.