U of M Poll: Parents Basically Split on COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children

When it comes to getting younger children vaccinated against COVID-19, parents are split pretty much right down the middle according to a University of Michigan poll.

The national poll, conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital showed that 49 percent of parents with children ranging from three to 11 years of age say they are likely to have their children vaccinated, while 51 percent of parents say it's unlikely that they'll seek to get the vaccine for their children.

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The poll's co-director Sarah Clark says that parents have a lot to consider when it comes to keeping their children healthy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted parents to think about their child’s health and safety in new ways, from mask-wearing to attending in-person events,” Clark said in a statement. “As COVID vaccine authorizations expand to younger age groups, parents are also considering whether and when their child should get vaccinated."

What Else Did the Poll Say?

About three-quarters of the parents surveyed say they will seek advice from their children's pediatricians before making a final decision about the COVID-19 vaccine. Since the Federal Drug Administration has yet to consider emergency use authorization for kids in that age group, most parents indicate that they have yet to discuss the vaccine with their children's doctors.

“As children prepare to return to school, our poll provides insight into parents’ current stance on vaccinating kids and what factors into their decision making," Clark added.

Click here for more on the U-M poll and its findings.