Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents in Western Mexico: the role of family influence and access barriers

Background and purpose COVID-19 vaccination remains an important public health strategy. Adolescents represent approximately 16% of the global population (1.3 billion), making their vaccine uptake a critical component of pandemic control. This study aimed to identify the factors and barriers influencing COVID-19 vaccination behaviors among adolescents in western Mexico. Methods A non-experimental, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in high school students aged 15–17 years. Data were collected through an online Google Forms questionnaire. Statistical analysis included chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and binary logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with vaccination behavior. Results A total of 838 adolescents were included, of whom 83% received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Sociodemographic characteristics including age, sex, and religion, were not significantly associated with vaccination attitudes. In contrast, parental influence, particularly maternal attitudes and vaccination behaviors, showed a stronger association with adolescent vaccination status than paternal attitudes. Additionally, parental refusal, family dynamics, and structural accessibility barriers had a greater influence on vaccine hesitancy than concerns regarding vaccine safety or effectiveness among adolescents in western Mexico. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for public health strategies that address access barriers and family-centered approaches when evaluating adolescent vaccination behaviors. Interventions focused solely on correcting misinformation are unlikely to be sufficient without addressing these broader factors.