Attitude and knowledge level of parents regarding vaccination of their children

Background: The effectiveness of vaccination in the fight against infections is indisputable and generally recognized. Every year, vaccination prevents the death of about 2.5 million children worldwide and is one of the most cost-effective preventive measures against infectious diseases. However, the number of people in the world who do not want to be vaccinated, as well as vaccinate their children for a variety of reasons, is increasing, which has a detrimental effect on the epidemiological situation.

Objective: Analysis of the attitude and knowledge level of parents regarding vaccination of their children.

Methods: The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire from January to March 2023. A total of 150 parents aged 20 to 45 years with children aged 1 to 5 years took part in the medical and social study.

Results: The study revealed that a quarter of respondents are neutral about vaccination, while 8.7% of respondents are strongly against vaccination. The reasons why parents refused vaccination include: fear of possible post-vaccination complications, negative impact on human health, weakening of the immune system, religious views, and the parents’ opinion that «it is better for a child to have a childhood infection in childhood». Among the parents surveyed, 59.3% indicated the activities of health workers as the main source of information that shapes their opinion about vaccination, 18.7% trusted the opinion of friends and relatives not associated with work in the healthcare system, and 22% used the media (Internet).