COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Rates and Associated Factors in Racially Diverse Parents in Canada

Strategic Insights -

A study conducted in 2023 involving a nationally representative sample of 2528 parents of children aged 0-12 years across Canada found that vaccine uptake prevalence rate was 86.39% among the participants. However, significant differences in vaccination prevalence for racialized parents were observed, highlighting the need for inclusive strategies that foster confidence and engagement in immunization efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that vaccine uptake rate was 86.39% among the participants, but significant differences in vaccination prevalence for racialized parents were observed.
  • The study aimed to examine vaccination rates and associated factors among parents of children aged 0-12 years from various racial groups in Canada.
  • Vaccine decisions in children are largely mediated by their parents' beliefs and values, and racialized parents reported lower levels of trust in vaccination efforts.
  • The study observed significant differences in vaccination prevalence for racialized parents, with some groups reporting vaccination rates as low as 64.38%.
  • The research concluded that variations in uptake across racial groups, shaped by trust and lived experiences, underscore the need for inclusive strategies that foster confidence and engagement in immunization efforts.
  • The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing conspiracy beliefs and racial discrimination in vaccination efforts.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Ottawa, led by Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Moshirian Farahi, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Statistics:

  • 57.52% of the participants were women.
  • 86.39% of the participants reported having their children vaccinated.
  • 64.38% of racialized parents reported having their children vaccinated, compared to 91.25% of white parents.
  • 32.65 was the chi-square value for racialized parents.
  • The p-value was reported to be p < 0.0001, indicating statistical significance.

Sources:

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Rates and Associated Factors in Racially Diverse Parents in Canada: The Threat From Conspiracy Beliefs and Racial Discrimination. Journal of Medical Virology, 2025;97(5).
  • University of Ottawa Reports Findings in COVID-19 (COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Rates and Associated Factors in Racially Diverse Parents in Canada: The Threat From Conspiracy Beliefs and Racial Discrimination). Pediatrics Week. May 24, 2025; p 12.