COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions for Children With Medical Complexity

OBJECTIVES The chronic conditions and functional limitations experienced by children with medical complexity (CMC) place them at disproportionate risk for COVID-19 transmission and poor outcomes. To promote robust vaccination uptake, specific constructs associated with vaccine hesitancy must be understood. Our objective was to describe demographic, clinical, and vaccine perception variables associated with CMC parents’ intention to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey (June–August 2021) for primary caregivers of CMC between ages 5 to 17 at an academic medical center in the Midwest. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between vaccination intent and selected covariates. RESULTS Among 1330 families, 65.8% indicated vaccination intent. In multivariable models, demographics had minimal associations with vaccination intent; however, parents of younger children (1 complex chronic condition (vs 1), had higher adjusted odds of vaccination intent (1.82 [1.14–2.92] and 1.77 [1.16–2.71], respectively). Vaccine perceptions associated with vaccine intention included “My doctor told me to get my child a COVID-19 vaccine” (2.82 [1.74–4.55]); and “I’m concerned about my child’s side effects from the vaccine” (0.18 [0.12–0.26]). CONCLUSIONS One-third of CMC families expressed vaccine hesitation; however, constructs strongly associated with vaccination intent are potentially modifiable. Pediatrician endorsement of COVID-19 vaccination and careful counseling on side effects might be promising strategies to encourage uptake.