D1.414 - Parents’ hesitancy towards vaccination: a Cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Vaccine hesitancy, characterized by delays or refusals in vaccinating children despite availability of vaccines, has become a growing concern worldwide , especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. While childhood vaccination rates in Saudi Arabia are generally high, the prevalence and factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among Saudi parents have not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to assess parental attitudes toward childhood vaccines and the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, involving 399 parents residing in Saudi Arabia (IRB number: HAPO-02-K-012-2023-10-1790). Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling technique, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. The survey, based on previously validated tools, addressed various aspects including sociodemographic characteristics, immunization behavior, beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy, attitudes toward vaccine mandates, trust in vaccine information, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with chi-square tests employed to explore associations between variables.

The majority of participants (80.7%) reported a positive attitude toward vaccinating their children, with 69.9% indicating no hesitancy at all. However, some concerns regarding vaccine safety persisted, with 32.3% of parents agreeing that children receive more shots than necessary. Concerns about vaccine side effects were also noted, with nearly one-third expressing some concern about vaccine side effects. Despite these concerns, most parents reported trusting the information they received from healthcare providers. Notably, 30.3% of children had not received any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to only 3.8% of parents. No significant associations were found between sociodemographic variables and self-reported vaccine hesitancy. 

Although vaccine acceptance remains high among Saudi parents, concerns about vaccine safety and side effects persist, highlighting areas where targeted public health interventions are needed. Further research is essential to develop strategies that enhance vaccine confidence and reduce hesitancy.