Parental Intention in Getting Children Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Virus: A Case in Iligan City, Philippines

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals, health systems, and economies globally. Despite the administration of 13.3 billion vaccine doses worldwide, which has mitigated the devastating effects of the COVID-19 virus, children under five years of age in the Philippines remain vulnerable, as vaccination for this age group has not yet been authorized. This study explores the variables that influence the intent of parents to vaccinate their six-month-old to four-year-old children against the COVID-19 virus. A face-to-face survey was conducted on 200 parents with children aged six-month-old to four-year-old in Iligan City, Philippines from August to October 2022. The findings revealed that 47% of the respondents expressed vaccination intent for their children. Regression analysis showed that intention differed by sex, educational attainment, religious affiliation, and vaccination status, in which male, Catholic, college-degree holders, and vaccinated parents stated higher intention to vaccinate children. Under the Health Belief Model, perceived barriers (p<0.01), self-efficacy (p<0.01), and cues-to-action (p<0.01) were predictors of children's vaccination intention, while no significant relationship existed between parental intent and the perceptions of susceptibility and severity of contracting the virus and benefits of vaccines. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Firstly, government and health institutions should implement strategies to increase vaccine uptake among parents. Secondly, future programs should be designed to address barriers and empower parents to make informed decisions regarding their children's health. Finally, Special attention should be given to mothers, individuals without a college degree, non-Catholic parents, and unvaccinated parents to enhance trust and compliance with COVID-19 vaccination programs targeting this age group.