Parental and adolescent opinion on COVID-19 vaccination among 12-17-year-olds: A hospital-based study

TL;DR

This study explores vaccination willingness among parents and adolescents aged 12-17 and finds that fear of side effects is a major concern.

Contribution

The study provides insights into factors influencing vaccine acceptance in a hospital-based population in Rewa.

Findings

63% of parents and 28% of adolescents were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19.

Fear of side effects was the main concern for both groups, affecting more than 90%.

Parental willingness was linked to younger age, female gender, higher education, and prior vaccination.

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy among parents and adolescents poses a major barrier to achieving optimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage. This hospital-
based study at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, included 1500 parents and 1695 adolescents aged 12-17 years to assess vaccination
intentions and influencing factors. Overall, 63% of parents and 28% of adolescents expressed willingness to vaccinate, with fear of side
effects being the predominant concern (> 90%). Parental willingness was significantly associated with younger age, female gender, higher
education and prior vaccination (p < 0.001). Strengthening awareness and addressing safety concerns are essential to improve vaccine
acceptance among adolescents.