Parental Hesitancy and Perception Regarding Vaccination of their Children Against COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohamed Ali Hanfy, Miada; Ibrahuim Abdelfattah, Huda; Rizk Mohammed Abu-Elenen, Nagwa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.432751

Parental Hesitancy and Perception Regarding Vaccination of their Children Against COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing – Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

² Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

³ Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing- Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University

10.21608/ejhc.2025.432751

Abstract

Background: Despite the recognized importance of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing disease transmission and severity, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to immunizing children. Parental concerns, particularly regarding vaccine safety and necessity, significantly influence childhood vaccination uptake. Aim: This study aimed to assess parental hesitancy and perceptions regarding vaccinating their children against COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probability purposive sample of 555 parents attending outpatient clinics at Zagazig University Hospitals and Al-Mabra Hospital in Zagazig City. Tools: Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire, including the Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. Results: More than half of the parents (52%) refused to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, mainly due to concerns about insufficient long-term studies, vaccine side effects, and perceptions of low risk in children. Regression analysis identified maternal education and prior awareness of vaccine availability as significant predictors of increased hesitancy. The main sources of information were the media and the internet, while trust in physicians increased the likelihood of vaccine acceptance. Conclusion : Parental hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination for children was high, mainly due to concerns about safety, side effects, and perceived low risk. Hesitancy was significantly influenced by maternal education and prior knowledge of vaccine availability. Trust in physicians promoted acceptance, while media and internet sources contributed to doubts. Addressing misconceptions through targeted education and trusted communication is essential to improve vaccine uptake. Recommendations: Efforts should focus on enhancing parental awareness through evidence-based education, strengthening physician- nurses -parent communication, and leveraging trusted information sources to counter misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance among parents.

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