Volume 27, Issue 135, May 2023

Evaluate acceptability of Saudi Arabian parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19

Naif M Alshaeri¹, Hind Ameen M Al Shankiti¹, Norah Hassan H Alsifsafi¹, Abdullah Mishal A Alderhami¹, Abutaleb Mari M Alsayed¹, Ahmed Ibrahim M Algabishi¹, Abeer Shaker Elmoursy Ali^2♦

¹Al-Qunfudah Medical College, Umm Al-Qura University, KSA
²Lecturer of Pathology, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
Lecturer of Pathology, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
ORCID: 0000-0002-6047-7818

ABSTRACT

Background: Health and infection control measures, as well as immunization, are critical elements in containing the global COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia has legalized child immunization and parental consent is normally required for vaccinations for children under the age of 18. Objectives: The Kingdom's Vision 2030 requires a knowledgeable and healthy society. This study aims to verify parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and their understanding of the disease that they regard as crucial to the nation's future. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey among Saudi & non-Saudi parents who have children aged 12–18 and accessed between July to September 2022. Results: 260 of 666 parents completed the survey. 88% of parents agreed to vaccinate their children under-18 children. 19.2% of Saudis authorized their child's immunization, compared to 6.7% of non-Saudis (P=.049). 31.7% of parents with COVID-19-related family member loss had a positive attitude, compared to 16.1% of those without (P=.048). Conclusion: The Ministry of Health's social media and education level determine whether COVID-19 vaccination education campaigns should focus on the pandemic and community danger rather than vaccine safety and efficacy.

Keywords: Vaccine, children, COVID-19, Saudi Arabia, parental acceptability

Medical Science, 2023, 27, e240ms3039

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i135/e240ms3039

Published: 27 May 2023