ATTITUDES OF PARENTS TOWARD RECOMMENDED VACCINES IN BULGARIA

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of immunization programs globally is one of the most powerful tools in combating infectious diseases. Parental awareness regarding vaccines is crucial for achieving good vaccination coverage and reducing the spread of infections. PURPOSE: To study the opinions of parents regarding the recommended vaccines in the Republic of Bulgaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey was conducted among 156 parents in Bulgaria. The questionnaire contained 25 closed-ended questions related to the recommended vaccines. Sociological, statistical-mathematical, and graphical methods were used. RESULTS: The study found that 53.8% of parents are familiar with the recommended vaccines administered in Bulgaria, 94% of them specifically mentioning the rotavirus vaccine and 56.9% the human papillomavirus vaccine. Regarding awareness, 49.4% of respondents reported that accessible information exists about the benefits, safety, and efficacy of the recommended vaccines. The main sources of information cited by respondents were general practitioners (40.4%), followed by social networks (22.4%), and 17.3% received information from official sources such as the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. A recommendation from a personal physician for vaccination with the recommended vaccines for children was received by 63.5% of parents, but despite the recommendations, 29.3% of them did not vaccinate their children. Nearly one-quarter of respondents (25.6%) do not agree that the recommended vaccines protect their children, and 39.1% expressed doubts about their effectiveness. The main concerns of parents regarding the application of recommended vaccines are related to fears of side effects (69.4%) and concerns about the development of autism or infertility (45.9%). When asked if they knew of children who experienced severe complications after vaccination, 25% answered affirmatively. CONCLUSION: Despite good parental awareness of the availability of recommended vaccines in Bulgaria, there are significant concerns and hesitations regarding their effectiveness and safety, leading to subsequent refusal of immunizations for their children. Targeted actions and strategies are needed to improve vaccination policies directed at both parents and healthcare professionals.