In January 2023, a survey was conducted among 3,227 parents of children aged 0-11 to investigate the reality and characteristics of vaccine hesitancy regarding routine childhood vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccines. The results showed that more than half (52.4%) of parents expressed hesitation about routine childhood vaccinations, while an even higher percentage of 73% of parents felt hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Anxiety about COVID-19 vaccines was significantly higher compared to routine vaccinations, with notable differences in adherence to vaccination schedules and trust in pediatricians. Common to both vaccines, concerns about safety were strong, with more than half of parents expressing concerns.

Saitoh, A., Shobugawa, Y. Parental vaccine hesitancy toward routine childhood immunizations and COVID-19 vaccines in Japan: A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 24, 3303 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20845-7