Singapore Parents On the Fence About Covid‑Kid Vax
In a recent study buzzed out of the Khoo Teck Puat National University Children’s Medical Institute at NUH, around one‑third of Singapore parents hold back on giving their kids the Covid‑19 shield. The scolding bits of data? 42% of hesitant parents trust their kid’s doctor only half the time, whereas 68% of the non‑hesitant gang do.
How the Survey Unfolded
- 628 parents, ages 32‑45, answered an online FormSG questionnaire between Nov 2021 and March 2022.
- QR codes borrowing the NUH corridors and ward lobbies turned phones into ‘tune‑in’ devices.
- Even inboxes of hospital staff got a nudge to take the survey.
Why the Skepticism Exists
Dr Lee Le Ye, the study’s co‑author and a neonatology whiz, tells us parents are lost in a maze of worries:
- “Maybe they’re thinking about the dose size.”
- “Maybe side‑effects are on their mind.”
- “Maybe they’re juggling logistics or timing between the regular shots.”
Imagine a mother juggling a stroller, a coffee, and a vaccine brochure—she’s got a lot on her plate.
Voices from the Ward
Illene Chen, 30, a nurse from NUH, sits by her 2‑year‑old daughter who brushed off COVID back in August.
She thinks: “Should I give my daughter a jab now?” She’s also debating the right time for her 2‑month‑old son, pending all the routine immunisations. “I’ll chat with our family doctor to get the green light,” she said, eyeing the looming XBB surge.
Mothers vs. Fathers: Who’s Less Hesitant?
Our data shows that mothers tend to be less cautious about Covid‑vaxing their little ones. Why? They’re often the ones driving the child to the clinic, building a rapport with the medical crew. Fathers, on the other hand, can clash over the decision—so the family’s unity matters.
Socio‑Economic Pinpoints
The study highlights a few patterns:
- Lower educational levels and reduced household income are linked to more hesitancy.
- Parents who themselves deny getting a Covid‑shot are more likely to keep their children in the same boat.
Points from Dr Lee
“Children, especially the young stack the risk cards for severe illness—hospital stays, ICU time, oxygen.”
“So it’s absolutely critical to shield them. Let’s not leave safety on a wish‑fulfillment list.”
By the way, vaccination for kids aged 6 months to 4 years kicked off on Oct 25. Dr Lee urges a personalized conversation approach: sit down with a doctor during regular check‑ups, and walk through those concerns. That’s the ticket to building trust.
TL;DR: Roughly a third are unsure about vaccinating kids. Trust is key. Mothers are more relaxed. Socio‑economic status matters. Don’t ignore the booster; talk it out with your pediatrician.
