'I don't want my son to be part of a giant experiment': public attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in children.
Public Health
; 205: 116-121, 2022 Apr.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1649464
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
This qualitative study explored public attitudes to COVID-19 vaccines in children, including reasons for support or opposition to them. STUDYDESIGN:
This was a qualitative study using online focus groups and interviews.METHODS:
Group and individual online interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 24 adults in the United Kingdom to explore their views on the issue of COVID-19 vaccination in children. Data were analysed using a framework approach.RESULTS:
COVID-19 vaccination in children was framed as a complex problem (a 'minefield'). Six themes emerged to explain participants views (1) uncertainty over whether children can catch, transmit or be severely harmed by COVID-19; (2) lower risk tolerance for unknown longer term effects of the vaccine in children; (3) association of the vaccine programme with government's handling of the pandemic; (4) local social norms as a driver of hesitancy; (5) vaccinating children as a way to protect vulnerable adults; and (6) children's vaccination as parental choice.CONCLUSIONS:
COVID-19 vaccination in children is perceived by members of the public as a complex issue, and many are torn or hesitant about the idea. Public health communications will need to combat this hesitancy if vaccine uptake for children is to be pursued as a public health policy.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Vaccines
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Adult
/
Child
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Public Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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