Did COVID-19 Pandemic Change Parents' Approach to Vaccination

Abstract

Objective: Vaccine hesitancy is driven by many factors and varies across time. People with vaccine hesitancy may change their decision in the case of COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aimed to evaluate parents' pandemic related perceived stress levels and its effects on vaccine hesitation, also their willingness towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was practiced with an open-access online survey program through social networks. Parents aged between 18 and 49 years, who had at least one child and agreed to participate in this study constituted the population (n=440). The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions about socio-demographic characteristics of parents, their attitudes and behaviors about childhood vaccines and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Four hundred forty parents participated in this study, 377 (85.7%) of them stated that they thought positively towards the vaccines, 55 (12.5%) were hesitant. After the pandemic, 22 (40.0%) of 55 participants who had hesitations stated that now they believe vaccines are necessary. Of all participants, 43.4% stated they would definitely, 30.5% would probably have the COVID-19 vaccine administered. Participants who had high-stress levels perceived more vaccine hesitation. Conclusion: Pandemia may change people's opinions about vaccine hesitancy. Even if an effective vaccine is developed in case of a pandemic, people need to be told correctly, to create a demand for vaccination.