NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —Many Tennessee parents are not following some health recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new poll by the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy.
Masks
Researchers say 57% of Tennessee parents have worn a mask every time they were in stores, businesses or outside the home in the past month. That’s fewer than 6 in 10 parents who report wearing masks all the time.
This, even though 68% of these parents say they believe that wearing a mask is important for children.
Another 48% of these parents polled agreed they would be more likely to wear a mask if there was a state mandate.
Both Black and Hispanic parents were more likely to report wearing masks and face coverings than white parents.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Health experts say the COVID-19 vaccine is necessary to end this pandemic, but according to the new poll, only 53% of Tennessee parents say they would vaccinate their child when an FDA-approved vaccine is available.
That's less than the 64% that say they would vaccinate their children for the flu.
Hispanic parents were the most likely to say they would get their children vaccinated, while Black parents were the least likely.
Trust amid the pandemic
According to the Vanderbilt poll, Tennessee parents trust the CDC and Tennessee Department of Health the most for information about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Their child’s health care provider is the next most trusted.
But 18% say they do not trust any organization, scientist or community leader to provide accurate information.