# Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal Among Parents of Children Aged 5–11 Years: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Calabria Region

## TL;DR

This study explores why some parents are hesitant or refuse to vaccinate their children aged 5–11 against COVID-19 in Calabria, finding that misinformation and low knowledge are key factors.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific sociodemographic and informational factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and refusal among parents of young children during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- 60.1% of parents showed high vaccine hesitancy, especially younger parents with lower knowledge.
- Vaccine refusal was predicted by high hesitancy, low knowledge, and reliance on informal information sources.
- Parents who were vaccinated themselves were less likely to refuse vaccinating their children.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate COVID-19 parental vaccine hesitancy (CPVH) and refusal among parents of children between 5 and 11 years and to identify potential factors influencing them. A secondary aim was to assess knowledge, concerns, and beliefs associated with COVID-19 and immunization. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children between 5 and 11 years using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, concerns, and beliefs regarding COVID-19 and immunization in children; CPVH according to Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines short scale; COVID-19 vaccination status and intention; and sources of information about COVID-19 vaccination were investigated. Results: Among 506 participating parents, only 12.7% correctly answered all six knowledge items. High CPVH was found in 60.1% of respondents and was more prevalent among younger parents and those with lower knowledge levels. Compared to having received no information on COVID-19 vaccination, high CPVH was positively associated with having received information from informal sources and trusting them and negatively associated with information from formal ones. More than half (58.3%) had vaccinated their child, and 38.5% had no intention to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. High CPVH, lower knowledge levels, and a need for further information were significant predictors of vaccine refusal. Conversely, refusal was negatively associated with parental COVID-19 vaccination status, and with having received information from formal and from both formal and informal sources compared to not having received information. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for establishing and investing in platforms to promote vaccine awareness and dispelling misinformation among parents.