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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 Vaccination | Research

Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight and parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Hyunmin Yu, José A. Bauermeister, Ufuoma Oyiborhoro, Subhash Aryal, Terri H. Lipman, Andy S. L. Tan, Karen Glanz, Antonia M. Villarruel, Stephen Bonett

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Over half of the youth population in the United States, aged 6 months to 17 years, have not received the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Given parents’ central role in vaccinating their children, we examined associations between parents’ trust of the federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety and their willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 975 parents of minor children residing in Philadelphia who completed the online survey between September 2021 and February 2022. Trust was measured using a four-point Likert scale ranging from ‘do not trust’ to ‘fully trust’ for two variables: (1) trust in federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for children and (2) trust in federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for the general public. A multiple logistic regression evaluated associations between trust and parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children, which was measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from ‘strongly disagree’ to ‘strongly agree.’ The analysis was adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender, education, insurance, and parents’ vaccination status.

Results

Analyses included 975 parents whose children had not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 (mean age 36.79, standard deviation 6.4; 42.1% racial/ethnic minorities; 93.2% heterosexual; and 73.7% with a college degree). Greater trust regarding federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.04] and for the public (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.17–2.14) were each associated with increased willingness to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated parents had decreased willingness compared to parents who had received at least one dose of the vaccine (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.41). College-graduate parents exhibited increased willingness compared to those without a college degree (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.52–2.81). Non-heterosexual parents showed increased willingness compared to heterosexual parents (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.20–4.76).

Conclusions

Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight was associated with parental willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 among parents whose children have not yet been vaccinated. Identifying and addressing causes of mistrust are crucial next steps to promote child vaccination. Intervention efforts to address trust gaps should remain a public health priority.

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Title: Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight and parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hyunmin Yu
José A. Bauermeister
Ufuoma Oyiborhoro
Subhash Aryal
Terri H. Lipman
Andy S. L. Tan
Karen Glanz
Antonia M. Villarruel
Stephen Bonett
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination
COVID-19
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18342-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight and parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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