Krish Vasudev, Lyle DP Mondano, Ainsley Regner
Published online in advance April 1, 2024.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study assessed high-school students’ anticipated COVID-19 vaccine uptake following the US Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization – before its availability to adolescents – and compared it to current national vaccination rates in similar age groups.
Methods: A web-based survey was conducted in January 2021. Data were analyzed using SurveyMonkey and SPSS. Predictors of vaccine willingness were explored.
Results: One hundred twenty of 407 students responded, with 70% indicating willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a 72.2% uptake among the 12- to 17-year age group. Students with a general belief in vaccinations and those who self-identified as liberal were more willing to receive the vaccine.
Discussion/Conclusions: High school students exhibited positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines, with acceptance influenced by general vaccine beliefs, political affiliation, and projected uptake rates aligned with national data.