The Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Parents: Are They Willing to Vaccinate Their Children?

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the willingness of parents to allow their children to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the factors affecting the decision. METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive survey study. A survey consisting of questions about the COVID-19 vaccination was conducted with parents. RESULTS: The study included 592 parents, 180 (30.4%) male, and the mean age was 34.14 ± 7.42 years. There were 257 (43.4%) parents would vaccinate their children. A high level of education of parents (p=0,022), a high monthly income of the family (p=0,006), and male gender (p=0,002) were associated with high willingness to vaccinate their children. Two hundred twenty two parents stated that their decision may change depending on whether the vaccine is of domestic or foreign origin, and 215 (96.85%) of them stated that they would prefer domestic vaccines. The most frequent reasons for vaccine hesitancy or refusal to their children were: fear of possible side effects and it being a foreign vaccine. CONCLUSION: The hesitancy or refusal of parents to vaccinate their children with the COVID-19 vaccine is high. Public health authorities should inform the public about the importance of vaccination and domestic vaccine production should be encouraged