Two-thirds of Toronto parents ‘certain or somewhat likely’ to get young kids vaccinated against COVID-19, survey says
About two-thirds of Toronto parents will seek a vaccination for their young child this year to protect them from the coronavirus, according to a new study.
The survey of 2,719 randomly selected Toronto parents found 71 per cent of respondents plan to vaccinate or seek a vaccination for their children between the ages of 2 and 5.
The research, conducted by Forum Research, was conducted between March 22 and April 5 and included two questions: “We want to vaccinate or seek to vaccinate our children against the coronavirus” and “We want to get our children vaccinated against the coronavirus”.
It found that “it is more likely parents would seek a vaccination or vaccination if their child’s behaviour, such as a fever or cough, is a reason for concern,” meaning parents will decide to vaccinate or seek one out for their child if they are worried about their child’s safety and are worried about a vaccine’s side-effects.
“It is also more likely that parents would vaccinate or seek a vaccination with the intention of protecting their child from contracting COVID-19,” the survey said.
The research, published in The Journal of Immunization Research, also found:
– Two-thirds of parents are “certain or slightly likely” to get their child vaccinated against COVID-19;
– Three-quarters believe the government should create a national vaccination registry that includes any child who receives any vaccination.
– Parents are somewhat or very likely to seek a test of their child’s blood sugar to monitor for diabetes.
– One-quarter of parents plan to buy their child a COVID-19 test kit.
– Fewer than one-quarter of parents think vaccinations pose a risk to young children, while 60 per cent believe there is such a risk.
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