Focus groups report that infertility is a common concern in addition to other general concerns about vaccines<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b><\/p>\n
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MONDAY, Oct. 23, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Parent\/caregiver concerns about COVID-19 vaccines include infertility and general concerns about vaccines, according to a study published online Oct. 23 in\u00a0Pediatrics<\/em>.<\/p>\n Aubree Honcoop, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and colleagues examined factors affecting pediatric COVID-19 vaccine decision-making in Black, Spanish-speaking, and rural White parents\/caregivers to inform the content design of a mobile application to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among children. Parents\/caregivers of children aged 2 to 17 years from groups particularly affected by COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (rural-dwelling persons of any race\/ethnicity, urban Black persons, and Spanish-speaking persons) were included based on self-reported vaccine hesitancy. The study was completed by 36 participants: four vaccine acceptors and four refusers in key informant interviews and 28 in focus groups.<\/p>\n The researchers found that participants from all focus groups reported that they would listen to their doctor for COVID-19 vaccine-related information. A common concern was infertility, as well as general vaccine-related concerns. The amount of information available to parents\/caregivers, including scientific research, possible positive and negative long-term effects, and potential impacts of vaccination on preexisting medical conditions, informed vaccine decision-making.<\/p>\n “These results will inform interventions for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and may also help guide pediatric providers in their discussion about the COVID-19 vaccination with patients and families,” the authors write.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n