Parent’s intentions and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination for their children: At Baghdad\Al Karkh primary health care centers

Background: Background: Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is a crucial public health strategy to achieve herd immunity and prevent illness. However, vaccine hesitancy among parents remains a significant global issue. Objectives: This study aims to assess parental intention and willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, identify concerns and perceptions regarding the vaccine, and determine the primary sources of information parents rely on. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st to July 1st, 2022, involving 500 parents of children aged 5-11 and 12-18 years attending primary healthcare centers in four sectors of the Al-Karkh directorate (Al-Amil, Al-Eadl, Al-Ielam, and Al-Kadimiya). Results: The majority of participants were mothers (68.6%), and nearly half had a college education (52.2%). About 66.8% of parents had received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 45.4% had been infected previously. Parental acceptance of vaccinating children aged 12-18 years was higher (43.2%) compared to children aged 5-11 years (21.1%). Vaccine refusal was similar across both age groups (36.1% vs. 35.3%). Parental perception levels were acceptable in 39.8%, poor in 34.8%, and good in only 25.4%. A significant association was found between parental intention and perception with prior COVID-19 vaccination. The primary sources of information were the Iraqi Ministry of Health (82%), social media (74.2%), and local public health departments (61.6%). Conclusion: Parental intention to vaccinate children varies by age, with higher hesitancy for younger children. Most parents relied on official health sources and social media for vaccine information, highlighting the need for stronger recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.