Public attitudes and influencing factors toward COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents/children: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically clarify attitudes and influencing factors of the public toward COVID-19 vaccination for children or adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: This was a scoping review. METHODS: This scoping review screened, included, sorted, and analyzed relevant studies on COVID-19 vaccination for children or adolescents before December 31, 2021, in databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Wiley. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included. The results showed that the public’s acceptance rate toward COVID-19 vaccination for children or adolescents ranged from 4.9% (southeast Nigerian mothers) to 91% (Brazilian parents). Parents’ or adolescents’ age, gender, education level, and cognition and behavior characteristics for the vaccines were the central factors affecting vaccination. The vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and potential side-effects were the main reasons affecting vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Realizing current public attitudes of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents or children can effectively develop intervention measures and control the pandemic as soon as possible through herd immunity.