Predictors of parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 in Greece: a cross-sectional study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background Parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 is envisaged as critical strategy to control the pandemic. Objective To investigate the intention of parents to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 and the factors influencing this intention. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional study in Greece and we collected data during the first week of September 2021. A convenience sample was used by collecting questionnaires through social media. Our study population included adult parents with children aged 12-17 years who were eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Results Study population included 813 parents with a mean age of 42.3 years. Among parents, 36% reported that they will vaccinate their children against the COVID-19, 33.5% denied vaccination and 30.5% were undecided. Concerns about the safety, effectiveness and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines were the most important reasons for decline of COVID-19 vaccination. Parents who took the flu vaccine in 2020 and those who had more knowledge and fewer concerns about COVID-19 vaccines had a greater probability to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19. Increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19, and increased trust in COVID-19 vaccines and the government regarding the information about the COVID-19 vaccines were associated with parents’ intention to vaccinate their children. However, increased knowledge regarding COVID-19 was associated with decreased intention of parents to vaccinate their children. Conclusions Parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 was low. Our findings could contribute to the development of target strategies to implement adherence to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.