A commentary on "COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus"

Article information

Clin Exp Pediatr. 2025;68(8):624-625

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 April 16

doi : https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2025.00304

Hinpetch Daungsupawong^,1, Viroj Wiwanitkit²

¹Private Academic Consultant, Phonhong, Lao People's Democratic Republic

²Department of Community Medicine, D. Y. Patil Vidhyapeeth Pune, Maharashtra, India

Corresponding author: Hinpetch Daungsupawong. Private Academic Consultant, Phonhong, Lao People's Democratic Republic Email: hinpetchdaung@gmail.com

Received 2025 February 5; Revised 2025 March 29; Accepted 2025 March 30.

To the editor,

This is a response to a published article on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus [1]. This study, which focuses on factors influencing vaccine acceptance (VA) and vaccine hesitation, offers important insights into parental attitudes toward vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A poll of 74 parents yielded significant results. Information like the connection to parents' intention to vaccinate themselves. We also looked at patient age and vaccine efficacy beliefs. But the study also brought up a number of difficulties that need more research. There was a rather limited sample size. The poll was only completed by 74 parents, which would restrict how broadly the study's conclusions can be applied. Nevertheless, the sample size in this study is not too small because childhood onset SLE is rare. A more thorough knowledge of the variables driving vaccine reluctance and acceptance in this particular demographic might be possible with a bigger and more varied sample.

Parental attitudes were the main focus of the study design. It would be beneficial to look into the relationship between these attitudes and children's clinical results. Parents who are really reluctant to vaccinate, for instance, are more likely to delay or refuse other necessary immunizations. Is it suitable for kids with SLE? The connection between vaccination hesitancy and other healthcare behaviors, such taking prescription drugs and going to regular checkups, requires more thorough research. This could give further information about the possible dangers of vaccine reluctance in this susceptible population [2].

Furthermore, although this study found variables associated with VA, it did not explore the fundamental causes of parental reluctance. It could be helpful to look at whether worries regarding vaccine safety in kids with SLE are caused by particular instances of false information or a lack of faith in medical organizations. Focus groups and qualitative interviews may offer a more thorough comprehension of these issues. This might present a chance for focused interventions.

Prospects for the future to monitor shifts in VA over time, longitudinal studies may prove beneficial. This is particularly relevant as new data regarding the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations for people with SLE become available. Research examining the function of medical specialists, such pediatric rheumatologists, may provide valuable insights to impact vaccine choices. Designing interventions to foster trust and encourage vaccination in at-risk communities may benefit from an understanding of how parental decision-making is influenced by physician advice (Table 1).

Table 1.

Some key factors influencing vaccine acceptance (VA)