The cross-sectional survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and it predictors among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children in Shenzhen City

Introduction and objective: Vaccinations programs on 3-17 years aged children in China have been launched in some cities since July 2021; and comparative evaluations are important to push the programs forward. Therefore, this study is conducted to explore the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and it predictors among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and their willingness to vaccinate their child/children.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the online survey; and 3484 participants were recruited in health centers of Shenzhen, China.

Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 20.7% among Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children; and 2976 participants (89.0%) were reported to be willing or very willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine for their child/children. Perceived trust degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.766), and perceived effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.455) were negatively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Perceived risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 1.485) positively predicted vaccine hesitancy. Parents with a higher educational level (OR: 0.518) and working in public institution (OR: 0.741) had a lower level of vaccine hesitancy; whereas, parents with liberal professionals had a higher level of vaccine hesitancy (OR: 1.378).

Conclusions: These findings indicated that Chinese parents of 3-17 years aged children in Shenzhen City had a higher level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability, compared with adults in Western counties. The significant factors of perceived trust degree, effectiveness, and risk degree of a COVID-19 vaccine, parents' educational level and occupation could predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The research results can be useful in supporting the development of effective and targeted children COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in China and worldwide.