COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in India: Parent’s Dilemma

Asinta’s Partner in India, Prudent Brokers, conducted a study about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in India to understand the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children against Covid-19. They received 424 responses from parents/caretakers (56% – fathers, 38% – mothers, and 7% relatives). An overwhelming 91% of respondents wanted their children to get the shot. The positive response is primarily driven by the need to protect the child against the severe effects of Covid-19 and the desire to return to a normal life. However, at the same time, parents expressed concern about probable side effects and the novelty of the vaccine.

Identification of factors that affect parents’ willingness to get their children vaccinated against Covid-19 will enhance parents’ trust in the vaccines and improve uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine for their children.

While the primary reason stated by parents is to protect their child against Covid-19, there is a significant emphasis on the desire to return to normal life. The majority of young children have been at home ever since the first lockdown in March 2020, resulting in additional pressure on parents, who have had to wear dual hats of a caretaker and an educator.