A recent survey indicates a strong inclination among parents to vaccinate their children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19. With the approval of the vaccine for this age group anticipated soon, the Covid-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project collaborated with the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) to gather insights from over 1,000 parents regarding their vaccination intentions. The results revealed that approximately two-thirds of parents are enthusiastic about having their children vaccinated.
This statistic aligns closely with the vaccination figures for American adults, where about two-thirds are fully vaccinated. The survey further indicated that parents’ own vaccination status significantly influenced their willingness to vaccinate their children. Additionally, around 60 percent of parents expressed support for vaccine mandates in schools, favoring policies that would require COVID vaccinations for attendance.
Insights from Dr. Maria Thompson
Dr. Maria Thompson, president of NASN, noted that while the survey results are encouraging, they emphasize the necessity for ongoing education about the advantages of vaccination. Among the one-third of parents who are hesitant to vaccinate their children, concerns about potential side effects were the primary issue, followed by worries regarding long-term effects. Approximately 45% of these parents felt their children were too healthy and active to be at risk from COVID. Others indicated they would “wait and see” how the vaccine performs in the broader population, often citing the rapid development of the vaccines as a reason for their caution.
“It’s crucial to recognize that parents play a vital role in advocating for what they believe is best for their children,” Dr. Thompson explained. “If parents are hesitant, it’s not out of a lack of care, but rather genuine concern. Our responsibility as health professionals is to listen, understand, and address their fears with credible information and compassion so that parents can make informed decisions for their children’s health.”
Parental Concerns and Upcoming FDA Meeting
Overall, about 75% of parents surveyed expressed concern about their children contracting COVID, a sentiment that was particularly strong among those with younger kids. For this majority, the impending availability of the vaccine is likely a source of comfort. The FDA is scheduled to meet on October 26 to discuss the authorization of the vaccine for children aged 5-11, with the expectation that vaccinations could begin as early as the first week of November if all goes smoothly.
Further Reading
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Summary
A survey indicates that two-thirds of parents are prepared to vaccinate their 5-11-year-old children against COVID-19, reflecting similar rates of adult vaccinations. While many parents show support for school mandates, a significant number remain hesitant, citing concerns over potential side effects and the speed of vaccine development. The FDA is set to discuss vaccine authorization for this age group soon, providing hope for concerned parents.