Parental/Caretaker’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Concerns toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine and Willingness to Vaccinate their Under-12 Children Attending Immunization Clinic of Two Tertiary Care Centers, South India: A Prospective Bicentric Study

Abstract Background: When the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine became available for adults, it was met with initial hesitancy. Similarly, parental concerns may flood the event of a pediatric vaccine for under-12-year age group. Therefore, the present study was done to determine pediatric COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, the knowledge, attitude, and concerns (KAC) among parents of children <12 years, and the sociodemographic predictors of the same. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in immunization clinics of two tertiary care centers. The sample size was 430. By systemic random sampling, every willing third parent was enrolled. Data pertaining to socio-demographic details, KAC regarding COVID-19 vaccine for under-12-year age group and their willingness to vaccinate their children was collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS by descriptive statistics. Mann–Whitney U -test and Kruskal–Wallis test were done to find out factors significantly associated with the scores. Multinomial regression was done to find out sociodemographic predictors of vaccination intent. Results: Three hundred 300 (69.8%) participants were willing to vaccinate their children, 91 (21.2%) willing if mandatory or incentive given and 39 (9.0%) not willing. Father’s COVID-19 vaccination and higher socioeconomic status were associated with vaccine willingness. Parental education, occupation, socio-economic status, and monthly income were associated with KAC scores. Conclusion: Although knowledge regarding the vaccine was not high, most had a positive attitude and lesser concerns regarding the vaccine safety. The proportion willing to vaccinate their children was high.