Many parents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are apprehensive about vaccinating their children, The New York Times reported May 12.
The FDA on May 10 authorized Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to be used in children as young as 12. The drugmaker said it plans to submit an FDA approval application in September for the vaccine's use in children ages 2 to 11.
However, just 30 percent of parents with children ages 12-15 said they would get their child vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they're eligible, according to survey results released May 6 by Kaiser Family Foundation. Vaccine hesitancy was even more prevalent among parents with young children.
Many parents who are hesitant about getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19 ensure their children are up-to-date with their other vaccinations. They aren't against vaccines, they're concerned about the uncertainty of future outcomes that come along with such a novel vaccine.
Below are three key concerns parents have that marketers should know about:
- Some parents don't want their children to resent them if their children end up experiencing a negative long-term outcome as a result of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Some parents are concerned COVID-19 vaccine could affect their children's puberty and fertility.
- Some parents (especially those with younger children) are waiting until more children are vaccinated because they are worried about which side effects and potential allergic reactions their children may face.