Key factors influencing paediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: a brief overview and Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory analysis.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the current literature on paediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents and identify key influencing factors, thus enabling targeted policy development and implementation.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a systematic literature review and Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis.

METHODS

A review of the quantitative and qualitative literature focusing on factors influencing paediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was conducted. Searches were performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Embase. Because of the immediacy of the topic, commentaries were included in addition to research and review articles. Influencing factors were categorised according to the Health Ecology Theory and screened using the DEMATEL method.

RESULTS

A total of 44 articles were included in the study, and 44 factors influencing paediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified. Of these, 18 were categorised as key factors using the DEMATEL method, including a history of COVID-19 infection in parents and perceived safety of the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

Policymakers and public health personnel should pay more attention to the key factors influencing paediatric COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The outcome of this research will benefit and motivate decision-makers to consider strategies to overcome various challenges of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.