Intention to vaccinate under-12 children against COVID-19 by parents in the Meknes Prefecture of Morocco.

ABSTRACT

Background: Two days before the start of the 2021 school year, more than 2 million Moroccan students (12-17 years old) had received the first dose of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine and 416 810 students had received both doses. Vaccination of young children against COVID-19 would contribute to pandemic control and "herd immunity". Aims: This study aimed to assess the extent to which Moroccan parents were likely to vaccinate their under-12 children against COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the form of an anonymous and confidential electronic survey among parents visiting pediatric clinics in Meknes Prefecture in August and September 2021. Results: Our study shows that the majority of parents were vaccinated (67.2%), but refused to vaccinate their under-12 children (83.6%). But 72% of all parents were willing to vaccinate their children if COVID-19 mortality increased among children. Conclusion: Most parents who refused to have their children vaccinated were illiterate or had only primary education. There is therefore a need to increase awareness and information campaigns on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine among adults and children.