Caregivers’ willingness to accept expedited vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic – a cross sectional survey

Abstract Purpose To determine predictors associated with caregivers’ willingness to accept an accelerated regulatory process for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine development. Methods An international cross-sectional survey of 2557 caregivers arriving with their children to 17 pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) across six countries from March 26 to June 30, 2020. Caregivers were asked to select one of four choices they agreed with the most regarding a proposed COVID-19 vaccine approval process, in addition to questions regarding demographics, the ED visit, and attitudes about COVID-19. Univariate analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney test for comparing non-normal continuous variables, independent t-test for comparing normally distributed continuous variables, and Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Variables of interest subsequently underwent a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine independent factors associated with caregivers’ willingness to accept abridged COVID-19 vaccine development. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Findings Almost half (1101/2557; 43%) of caregivers reported that they are willing to accept less rigorous testing and post-research approval for a new COVID-19 vaccine. Independent factors associated with willingness to expedite COVID-19 vaccine research included children that were up-to-date on their vaccination schedule (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.29-2.31), caregivers concerned that they had COVID-19 at the time of survey completion in the ED (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.16), and caregivers that intend to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 if a vaccine becomes available (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.54-2.21). Mothers completing the survey were less likely to approve changes in the vaccine development process (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.53-0.78). Implications Less than half of caregivers in a global sample are willing to accept abbreviated vaccine testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of an effort to increase acceptance and uptake of the new vaccine, especially in order to protect children, public health strategies and individual providers should understand caregivers’ attitudes towards approval of the vaccine and consult them appropriately.