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Vaccines

COVID-19 Pandemic Triggers Hesitancy Among Mothers for Routine Immunization of Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in India has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in hesitancy among mothers for routine immunization of their children. The study, published in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, aimed to estimate the prevalence of hesitancy for routine immunization among urban mothers during the pandemic and identify the factors responsible for their hesitancy. The research involved a cross-sectional study of 246 mothers with children under the age of 6, and found that 38% of mothers were hesitant to vaccinate their children due to fear of exposure to COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in hesitancy among mothers for routine immunization of their children, with 38% of mothers in the study reporting vaccine hesitancy.
  • The main factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy were fear of exposure to COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions.
  • A total of 6 variables were examined in the study, with 5 variables (except religion) found to be statistically significant.
  • Prior to pandemic hesitancy was the only significant factor remaining after multivariate analysis.
  • The study highlights the need for increased consideration by healthcare officials and policymakers to prevent disruption of the immunization program.

Statistics:

  • 38% of mothers in the study reported vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic.
  • 246 mothers participated in the cross-sectional study.
  • The study was conducted over a period of 3 months.
  • 6 variables were examined in the study, with 5 variables found to be statistically significant.

Sources:

  • Did this pandemic trigger a spike in mothers' hesitancy over their children's routine immunizations? -A cross sectional study. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 2022;15:101023.
  • JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Reports Findings in COVID-19 (Did this pandemic trigger a spike in mothers' hesitancy over their children's routine immunizations? -A cross sectional study). Pediatrics Week. April 16, 2022; p 16.

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