475 - Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Pediatric Population: Are Resident Physicians Prepared?

Poster Number: 475
Publication Number: 475.421

John Loftus, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Marquita Genies, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jeffrey Fadrowski, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States

Background: Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination rates remain low. Previous studies have shown a high level of trust in physicians for vaccine recommendations, even among vaccine-hesitant parents. Barriers to vaccination include concern about side effects and several types of misinformation.  To effectively address COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, we must ensure that pediatric providers, inclusive of trainees, understand parent-guardian hesitancies and are equipped with the knowledge to effectively counsel families.

Objective: This study aimed to understand pediatric resident physicians’ baseline knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and side effects, and confidence using evidence-based strategies to address vaccine hesitancy.

Design/Methods: A questionnaire survey regarding COVID-19 vaccination was distributed to resident trainees at an urban tertiary care university hospital.  Respondents were assessed on 1) knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children under 18 years and 2) attitudes and self-perceived comfort with and confidence in counseling COVID-19 vaccine hesitant parents/guardians.

Results: 57% of resident trainees (N= 51) completed the survey. About 40% of respondents were post-graduate year 1 resident trainees. 78% reported previously receiving education related to COVID-19 vaccination. Knowledge assessment questions revealed areas of need related to vaccine recommendations for children under 5 and the immunocompromised, and awareness of evidence-based vaccine-promotion strategies. Over 80% of residents were uncomfortable or unsure of their comfort level in explaining differences between the 3 available vaccines in the US.  Over 80% of residents reported high comfort addressing vaccination misinformation.

Conclusion(s): These results identify gaps in resident trainee knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines specifically regarding development, mechanism of action and recommendations for children under 5 years or who are immunocompromised. Additionally, our study showed gaps in resident trainee comfort with and utilization of evidence-based strategies to address vaccine hesitancy. Addressing these gaps may allow physicians to be better equipped to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the pediatric population.