FACTORS AFFECTING COVID-19 VACCINATION AMONG CHILDREN: PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Johdel C. Cabaluna, Bryan D. Carganillo, Elvira D. Bernardo, Lucylyn M. Quejarro, Michelle A. Suguitan

Abstract


The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected public health systems, economies, and communities across the world. Vaccination became one of the primary strategies used to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent severe complications. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for children, many parents remained hesitant because of concerns regarding vaccine safety, effectiveness, and possible side effects. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination among children from the perspective of parents. Specifically, the study examined the respondents’ demographic profile, the factors influencing parents’ decisions regarding vaccination, the perceived implications of vaccination, and the relationship between these variables. The study utilized a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design. Thirty parents with children aged 5–11 years old from Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines participated in the study through purposive sampling. A self-made questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha served as the primary data-gathering instrument. Statistical tools such as percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation were used to analyze the collected data. Findings revealed that parents generally agreed that COVID-19 vaccination is important in protecting children from severe illness, reducing virus transmission, and strengthening the immune system. Parents also believed that vaccination helps protect children’s health and contributes to saving lives. However, the study found no significant relationship between the factors affecting vaccination decisions and the perceived implications of vaccination. The study concludes that while parents recognize the importance of vaccination, their decisions may still be influenced by external factors such as misinformation, personal beliefs, and access to reliable health information. The study recommends strengthening public health education programs and promoting accurate vaccine information to improve parental awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for children.

Keywords


COVID-19 vaccination, parents’ perspective, children’s health, vaccine hesitancy, public health

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v9i2.272

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