P3B168: COVID-19 Vaccines and High School Students: A Snapshot of Attitudes and Perceptions Before Vaccination Availability and Comparison to Current Vaccination Rates

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected people of all ages globally, and vaccines have been developed to combat the spread of the virus. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of two COVID-19 vaccines was approved for adults before it was available to high school students. This study aimed to identify high school students' perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine after FDA EUA approval and compare them with current vaccination rates.

Methods: A 21-question voluntary electronic survey was administered to high school students using an online portal between January 19-23, 2021, after obtaining approval from the high school’s Scientific Review Committee (SRC). Respondents were assessed for willingness to get the vaccine, the role of political leanings, and whether knowing someone diagnosed with COVID had any impact on their willingness to get vaccinated. The data was analyzed using SurveyMonkey and SPSS. Predictors of the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were determined by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: At the time of the study, 120 out of 407 students responded to the survey. 83.33% believed in receiving vaccines in general, and 70% planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. Of the 78.33% of students who usually get the seasonal influenza vaccine, 75.53% said they would be willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.25, 7.60). Political views had an impact, and liberals were more willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine compared to conservatives (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.26, 9.56). Knowing someone compared to not knowing someone diagnosed with COVID-19 did not affect their willingness to get the vaccine (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.28, 5.01). The two main factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy include concern for vaccine safety and side effects (56%) and lack of confidence in the government and healthcare policymakers (32%).

Conclusion: High school students have positive views toward the COVID-19 vaccine, and most were willing to receive it. Vaccine acceptance in general and political affiliation influenced the willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This study was performed before the availability of vaccines in this age group and is concordant with the currently reported vaccination rate of 68% in 12-17-year-old US children and adolescents (AAP 2/1/2023). Vaccine hesitancy concerns should be considered when developing vaccination strategies.