ABSTRACT
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, in children as well as adults. We studied COVID-19 vaccination coverage among children, parental COVID-19 vaccination intent for their children and determinants of vaccination among children to inform communication strategies. We invited parents of children aged 6 months-11 years in Munich, Germany, to an anonymous online survey between 13.10.2022 and 15.01.2023. Parents reported COVID-19 vaccination status and, for unvaccinated children, vaccination intent per child. We determined vaccination coverage (≥ 1 dose) and parental intent, and subsequently used logistic regression to identify determinants of vaccination, including the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, collective responsibility). In total, 339 parents reported on 591 children. Vaccination coverage was 7% (6/86) amongst 6-months-4-year-olds and 59% (295/498) amongst 5-11-year-olds. For unvaccinated 6-months-4-year-olds, 31% of parents reported high, 13% medium, 56% low vaccination intent; for 5-11-year-olds 8% reported high, 20% medium, 71% low intent. Positive determinants of vaccination were older child age, child belonging to a clinically vulnerable group, as well as parental COVID-19 vaccination, higher education level, country of birth Germany, and high level of trust in official guidelines; a negative determinant was previous vaccination refusal. For 5-11-year-olds, additional positive determinants were higher confidence and lower complacency. Conclusion: While a substantial proportion of 5-11-year-olds were vaccinated against COVID-19, coverage was low among 6-months-4-year-olds. Parental vaccination intent for unvaccinated children was low. Vaccination communication should take into account parental socio-demographic characteristics and specifically address individual risks and benefits of child vaccination. What is Known: ⢠COVID-19 vaccination lowers severe disease risk in all ages. ⢠Germany recommends vaccination for 5-11-years-olds since December 2021 and for 6 months-4 year-olds since November 2022. What is New: ⢠In Munich, vaccine uptake was high in 5-11-year-olds but parental intent for not yet vaccinated children was low; the opposite was the case for 6-months-4-year-olds; vaccination determinants were eligibility, parental education, birth country and general vaccination hesitancy; psychological antecedents were confidence and complacency. ⢠Tailored interventions should address guidelines, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, and boost confidence in vaccines and institutions while raising awareness of COVID-19 risks for children.
