A Study of Parental Attitudes in the Varna Region Towards the Chickenpox Vaccine

Introduction: Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpesvirus family. The disease primarily affects children, and after the illness, the virus remains in a latent state with the potential for reactivation, causing shingles at any age. The use of the chickenpox vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of the disease and the possibility of subsequent complications. Aim : The study aims to investigate the attitudes of parents of children attending childcare facilities in the Varna region regarding the chickenpox vaccine. Materials and Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 639 parents of children attending six childcare facilities in the municipality of Varna. Sociological, statistical-mathematical, and graphical methods were used. Results: The survey found that 77.3% of the respondents were aware that a chickenpox vaccine is available in Bulgaria, with 28% stating that the vaccine is recommended. Only 19.4% expressed willingness to vaccinate their children. One-third of the respondents (36%) would not vaccinate their child even if the vaccine were provided for free by the Ministry of Health, and 17.2% declared a categorical refusal to vaccinate. More than half of the parents (53.8%) were unaware of the risks associated with the vaccine, and only 13% agreed that accessible information exists regarding the action, reliability, and benefits of the chickenpox vaccine. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a negative attitude among parents towards the chickenpox vaccine. The lack of awareness and access to reliable information based on scientific evidence and facts are the main reasons for vaccine refusal. Targeted actions and informational campaigns among parents of children attending childcare facilities are necessary to communicate the benefits and risks of the chickenpox vaccine.