Acceptability of Covid-19 Vaccine for Healthy Children and its Associated Factors: Parents’ Perception from a Study Conducted in Galle District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination has proved effective in mitigating Covid-19 transmission and severe infection. Sri Lanka has launched a programme to vaccinate children aged 12-18 years with chronic illnesses. However, vaccination of healthy children is under discussion. Acceptability of the vaccine would determine the success of the programme.

Objectives: To assess the acceptability of Covid-19 vaccine among parents of children without chronic illness at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK) and selected Private Hospitals in Galle District.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 472 parents attending paediatric care at THK and selected Private Hospitals in Galle District in 2021. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with vaccine acceptability at a 0.05 significance level.

Results:The response rate was 83.9% (n=396). The majority (86.6%) were aware of the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children with chronic illnesses in Sri Lanka. Television (67.4%) and social media (18.4%) remained the primary source of information related to the vaccination. Nearly 82% (n=324) of parents were in the position to vaccinate their children, expecting a reduction of disease severity following vaccination (n=268, 82.7%). Fear of immediate side effects (52.7%) and long-lasting health problems (27.7%) were identified as the main reasons for deciding not to vaccinate. Parents who were Sinhalese (OR=2.26, 95%CI=1.18-4.32), having a child suffering from a chronic medical illness (OR=2.51, 95%CI=1.01-6.26) and awareness that some countries have already begun vaccination for healthy children (OR=2.54, 95%CI=1.38-4.68), were more likely in a position to vaccinate. In contrast, parents who had experienced significant side effects following vaccination among any family member (OR=0.31, 95%CI = 0.13-0.73) were unwilling to vaccinate their children.

Conclusions: A high acceptance rate was noted for Covid-19 vaccination for healthy children.