OBJECTIVES: This nationwide study focused on how parents perceive COVID-19 vaccinations and their behaviors related to vaccinating their children. The study looked at how parents are considering vaccination, who can most influence their perspectives, how a parent’s own vaccination status can impact decision-making as well as what messages would make them more likely to vaccinate their children.

METHODS: A national online survey was fielded to American adults via email invitation from a nationally recognized survey panel provider during four periods: in May 2021 (Wave 1) prior to Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the vaccine for 12–15-year-old individuals, and follow-up surveys conducted in July (Wave 2), September (Wave 3), and December (Wave 4) 2021. Each survey collected approximately 2,000 responses, and respondents were allowed into the survey if they had at least one child between the ages of 12 and 17 for Waves 1-3 and at least one child aged 5 or older in Wave 4. The survey sample was aligned to the racial and ethnic composition of Americans and controlled for urbanicity.

RESULTS: Vaccine perceptions differed by the race/ethnicity of respondents, among mothers/fathers, across geographic areas, and by education level. Top concerns parents have about the vaccine include long-term and short-term side effects and limited testing of the vaccine. Pediatricians play a significant role in influencing parents’ decision on whether to vaccinate their children for COVID-19, and most parents prefer to get their children vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office. Wave 4 results indicated that parents with children under 12 are more uncomfortable with vaccinating their children than those with children ages 12 and older.

CONCLUSION: For those trying to increase vaccination among the pediatric population, understanding the concerns of parents, finding trusted voices, getting messages out via accessible channels, and supporting parents in making vaccination decisions will remain critical.