Introduction
In France, the vaccination rate against Covid-19 among children is low compared to adults. Our study aims to describe the use of Covid-19 vaccines in children aged 5-11 years and to understand the determinants of their use.
Method
This cohort study used data from the National Health Data System (SNDS, including EPI-Mères mother-child programme) linked to the Vaccine Covid details system (VAC-SI). Characteristics of children aged 5 to 11 years in 2021 who received at least one dose of the vaccine between January 1, 2021 and November 15, 2023 were described.Determinants were studied by adjusted logistic regression.
Results
In total, 320,737 children aged 5 to 11 (80% aged 8 and over; 48% female) received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, or 5.3% of this population. Among children at risk of severe forms, 7.8% were vaccinated. Increasing age of the child,presence of comorbidities in the mother,living in the Great West (Normandy,adjusted odds ratio,ORa=1.12, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: [1,10-1,14]Brittany ORa=1.04 [1,02-1,07]) vs Pays de la loire, maternal vaccination (ORa=16.60 [16,04-17,17]) were positively associated with childhood vaccination while living in an area with a low socioeconomic level (deprivation index, C5 vs R1: ORa=0,62 [0,61-0,63]) and in the Southeast (Occitanie ORa=0.48 [0,47-0,49]Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur ORa=0.37 [0,36-0,38]) were negatively associated.
Conclusion
Vaccination against Covid-19 among children aged 5-11 is still very low in france,with 1 child in 13 at risk of vaccination,and 1 child in 20 overall vaccinated. This low vaccination rate is also related to a low socio-economic level and living in the South East of France.
- How does maternal vaccination influence the Covid-19 vaccination rates in children aged 5-11?
Interview: Understanding Covid-19 Vaccination rates in Children Aged 5-11 in France
Published by Time.news, Interview with Dr. Sylvie Moreau, Public Health Expert
Q: Dr. Moreau, thank you for joining us today. Your recent study reveals some concerning statistics about Covid-19 vaccination rates among children aged 5 to 11 in France. Can you share the key findings with our readers?
A: Thank you for having me.Our study found that only 5.3% of the children aged 5 to 11 in France received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by November 2023.This figure is particularly troubling when considering that only 7.8% of children at risk of severe outcomes have been vaccinated.
Q: What factors do you believe contribute to this low vaccination rate among young children?
A: There are several determinants at play. Our research indicated that factors such as the increasing age of the child, the presence of comorbidities in the mother, and maternal vaccination considerably correlated with higher vaccination rates in children. For instance, maternal vaccination had an adjusted odds ratio of 16.60, which underscores its critical role in influencing children’s vaccination uptake.
Q: That’s insightful. Were there any socio-economic influences noted in your study?
A: Yes, indeed. We found that children living in areas with low socio-economic status, as indicated by a deprivation index, had significantly lower vaccination rates.Specifically, children from regions classified as C5, representing greater deprivation, were less likely to be vaccinated.Furthermore, living in the Southeast of France also negatively impacted vaccination rates.
Q: What areas showed a more successful vaccination uptake, according to your findings?
A: Interestingly, we observed higher vaccination rates in the Great West regions of France, such as Normandy and Brittany. This could be attributed to better access to healthcare resources and perhaps more public health campaigns targeting these areas.
Q: What implications does this low vaccination rate have on public health in France?
A: This low vaccination rate highlights a significant public health concern, as it leaves a considerable portion of the population vulnerable to Covid-19, especially among at-risk groups. The findings stress the need for targeted public health strategies that address socio-economic disparities and improve access to vaccinations for children.
Q: How can parents be encouraged to vaccinate their children, especially if they fall within these risk categories?
A: Educating parents on the safety and efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine for children is crucial. Parents should be informed that vaccination not only protects their children but also contributes to community immunity.additionally, outreach programs in underserviced areas, along with incentives for vaccination, could stimulate higher participation rates.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you offer to public health officials and policymakers in light of your study?
A: Public health officials should prioritize creating awareness and addressing misconceptions about the Covid-19 vaccine. Building trust within communities, particularly in low socio-economic regions, is vital. Policymakers should consider initiatives that provide easy access to vaccines, such as mobile vaccination units and collaborating with local organizations to reach families who might be hesitant.
Q: thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your valuable insights on this crucial public health issue. we hope to see improvements in vaccination rates among children in France soon.
A: Thank you for having me! It’s a collective effort, and I’m optimistic that with the right strategies, we can improve vaccination rates and protect our children.
Keywords: Covid-19 vaccination rates, children 5-11, public health, France, vaccination implications, socio-economic factors, maternal vaccination, community immunity.