Factors associated with childhood non-vaccination against COVID-19 in Canada: A national survey analysis

Background

COVID-19 vaccination efforts are critical in mitigating the impact of the virus, but despite proven safety and efficacy, vaccination rates among children in Canada are lower than in adults, prompting a need to explore determinants of childhood COVID-19 non-vaccination to improve uptake.

Method

This study analyzed data from the Canadian COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey 2022. Using multivariable logistic regression, it examined the association between COVID-19 non-vaccination among children aged 5–17 and factors such as parental sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB), and vaccination history.

Results

The analysis revealed that negative KAB towards vaccines, reflected in higher KAB composite scores, significantly increased the likelihood of non-vaccination. Additionally, factors such as lower household incomes, rural residence, employment in sectors not at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases, and younger parental age were associated with higher non-vaccination. The study also highlighted ethnic disparities in vaccination odds and found that children with incomplete routine vaccinations or inconsistent flu vaccination histories were more likely to be unvaccinated against COVID-19. Surprisingly, children of parents who consistently received flu vaccinations were more likely to be unvaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, parental education levels showed a complex relationship with children's COVID-19 vaccination status, indicating nuanced influences on vaccination decisions.

Conclusion

The findings offer vital insights into the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among children in Canada, suggesting avenues for targeted strategies to improve vaccine coverage.