Considerations Underlying Parents’ Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines for Their Child: Evidence from Denmark
Background: Since the initial phases of vaccination campaigns, health authorities across the world have recommended vaccination of children between 15 and 18; and since the summer of 2021, vaccinations of children between 12 and 15 have been recommended. Recently, American and European Health Authorities have approved the use of a vaccine against COVID-19 for children between age 5 and 11. In this article, we ask what predicts parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: We use empirical data from a large-scale survey in Denmark about vaccine intentions. The survey included a subsample of 794 parents to children aged 6-15. For this group of parents, we assess key predictors (including demographics, predispositions, vaccine perceptions, and vaccine barriers) of parents’ acceptance of a vaccine for their child against COVID-19. Results: We propose that the vaccine decision follows a stepwise process: demographic variables shape parents’ predispositions, which again shape their specific perceptions of the safety and effectiveness - both in general and for their children - of the particular vaccine. Moreover, we argue that vaccine barriers will moderate this process. Our results demonstrate that parents’ intention to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 is not driven by considerations regarding the disease of COVID-19 but by considerations of the safety of vaccines and added benefits of vaccination such as normalizing societal and everyday life. The balance of these considerations shift depending on the child's age, with lower acceptance for younger children. Furthermore, the content of considerations are shaped by trust in the health authorities and factual vaccine knowledge. Conclusion: To increase parents' acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, health authorities should focus on establishing and communicating evidence for the safety of vaccines and the impact of vaccination for their everyday lives.