Child and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination status and reasons for non-vaccination by parental vaccination status.
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for children ages ≥5 years. To develop effective interventions to increase uptake, this study explores reasons for parental hesitancy of child and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination.
The Household Pulse Survey (HPS) is a nationally representative cross-sectional online household survey of adults aged ≥18 years that began data collection in April 2020 to help understand household experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using data from December 29, 2021, to January 10, 2022 (n = 11,478), we assessed child and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination coverage and parental intent to vaccinate their children and adolescents. Factors associated with child and adolescent vaccination coverage were examined using multivariable regression models. Reasons for not having had their child or adolescent vaccinated, stratified by parental vaccination status, were compared using tests of differences in proportions.
Less than one-half (42.3%) of children and three-quarters (74.8%) of adolescents are vaccinated. Vaccination coverage was lower among households with lower education, as well as among children who had not had a preventive check-up in the past year. Parents of unvaccinated children were more likely to report that they do not trust COVID-19 vaccines, do not trust the government, and do not believe children need a COVID-19 vaccine compared to parents of vaccinated children.
Efforts to increase uptake of vaccines by children and adolescents should target those with lower education, reassure parents of the vaccine safety and efficacy for themselves and their children/adolescents, and support yearly preventive care visits for their children.
Nguyen KH
,Nguyen K
,Mansfield K
,Allen JD
,Corlin L
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COVID-19 Adult, Childhood, and Adolescent Vaccination Coverage Among Military and Civilian Families, United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of military members and their families, with over 400,000 cases among U.S. military members since the start of the pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine and compare COVID-19 vaccination coverage of military members (active duty and Reserve/National Guard) and their family members (spouses, children, and adolescents) to that of their civilian counterparts using a large, nationally representative study.
Data from March 2 to May 9, 2022, of the Household Pulse Survey were analyzed for this study (n = 207,758). COVID-19 vaccination status (≥1 dose) was assessed for military members and their spouses, civilians, and children (aged 5 to 11 and 12 to 17 years) from both military and civilian families. Differences between military members, spouses, and their children compared to civilian adults and children were assessed using chi-squared and t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between military status and COVID-19 vaccination after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Reasons for not getting vaccinated for adults and children from military and civilian families were assessed.
Compared to civilian adults and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, military members were more likely to be vaccinated (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13). Vaccination coverage between active duty and civilian adults differed by subgroups. For example, among military members, COVID-19 vaccination coverage decreased with increasing age, from 87.5% among those aged 18 to 39 years to 56.0% among those aged ≥55 years. In contrast, among civilian adults, vaccination coverage increased with increasing age, from 78.5% among those aged 18 to 39 years to 91.2% among those aged ≥55 years. Military members were also less likely to be vaccinated than their civilian counterparts if they were Hispanic (68.5% vs. 85.2%), had a Bachelor's degree or higher (87.5% vs. 93.8%), or had $100,000 or more in annual household income (76.7% vs. 92.6%). Military members who had anxiety or depression (70.1%) were less likely to be vaccinated compared to civilian adults (84.4%). Military spouses (74.4%) were less likely to be vaccinated than civilian adults (84.7%). Children and adolescents who were homeschooled (35.1%) or had no preventive checkups in the past year (32.4%) were less likely to be vaccinated than their respective counterparts (52.5% and 54.0%, respectively). Military adults compared to civilian adults were more likely to report lack of trust in the government (47.5% vs. 35.2%) and, for children/adolescents, the belief that the vaccine is not needed (42.1% vs. 28.1%) as reasons for non-vaccination.
Despite vaccine mandates and the high vaccination coverage found among the majority of military members, disparities exist in some subgroups. Educational interventions and increased communication from trusted leaders, such as medical providers and commanders, could increase confidence in vaccines among military families. Ensuring access to vaccines, empowering healthcare providers to recommend vaccines, and reminding parents of missed vaccinations or preventive checkups can help improve vaccination coverage. Achieving high vaccination among military members and their families is essential in protecting those in the forefront of the pandemic response and promoting the safety and security of the nation.
Nguyen KH
,Mansfield KA
,Xie CY
,Corlin L
,Niska RW
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Disparities in national and state estimates of COVID-19 vaccination receipt and intent to vaccinate by race/ethnicity, income, and age group among adults ≥ 18 years, United States.
COVID-19 morbidity and mortality has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations such as minority racial/ethnic groups. Understanding disparities in vaccine intentions and reasons for vaccine hesitancy are important for developing effective strategies for ameliorating racial/ethnic COVID-19 inequities.
Using six waves of the large, nationally representative Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey data from January 6-March 29, 2021 (n = 459,235), we examined national and state estimates for vaccination intent, defined as receipt of ≥ 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or definite intent to be vaccinated, by race/ethnicity with stratification by household income and age group. In separate logistic regression models, we also examined the interaction between race/ethnicity and household income, and race/ethnicity and age group, and its association with vaccination intent. Lastly, we examined reasons for not vaccinating by race/ethnicity.
Vaccination intent differed by racial/ethnic group, household income, and age group nationally and by Health and Human Services (HHS) region and state. A significant interaction was observed between race/ethnicity and household income (F(8,72) = 4.50, p < 0.001), and race/ethnicity and age group (F(8,72) = 15.66, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black adults with lower income (<$35,000) and younger age (18-49 years) were least likely to intend to vaccinate. Similar disparities across racial/ethnic groups were seen across most HHS regions and states. Concerns about possible side effects and effectiveness were significantly higher among all minority groups compared to non-Hispanic White adults.
Disparities in vaccination intent by racial/ethnic groups underscore the need for interventions and recommendations designed to improve vaccination coverage and confidence in underserved communities, such as younger and lower income racial/ethnic minority groups. Efforts to reduce disparities and barriers to vaccination are needed to achieve equity in vaccination coverage, and ultimately, to curb COVID-19 transmission.
Nguyen KH
,Anneser E
,Toppo A
,Allen JD
,Scott Parott J
,Corlin L
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