Exploring the attitudes and knowledge of the caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia regarding COVID-19 vaccination

Several vaccines have been developed and approved for COVID-19 infection. Recommendations are not standardized across countries. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination by the parents of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) as well as their concerns and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional study involved parents of patients with CF and PCD. Parents were invited to complete a questionnaire evaluating the socio-demographic/general health status of the child, the vaccination status of the child/parents, and adherence to the pandemic protection measures. Completion of the questionnaires was done via a telephone call by the same physicians. There were 133 patients (CF = 94, PCD = 39) in the study. There was no difference in the rate of COVID-19 vaccination between patients with PCD(74.4%) and CF (75.5%) (p = 0.88). The rate of COVID-19 vaccination in patients was higher in those who were not infected with COVID-19 (p = 0.04). Parents without a history of COVID-19 infection were more likely to have their children vaccinated with COVID-19 (p = 0.03). The parents who got the COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to get their children vaccinated (p < 0.001). The rate of getting vaccinated with COVID-19 was higher in patients who were vaccinated with influenza (p = 0.02). There was no relation between the status of vaccination with mandatory schedule and the rate of getting vaccinated with COVID-19; the severity of the underlying disease and the COVID-19 vaccination; educational and employment status of the parent and the COVID-19 vaccination status, respectively (p = 0.40; p = 0.63; p = 0.58, p = 0.50). COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for children with chronic lung diseases. Refusal for COVID-19 vaccination seems not to be a problem in children with CF and PCD in our study population.