A Closer Look
A recent study conducted by the sociological agency "Global Metrics" in Bulgaria, commissioned by UNICEF Bulgaria and the Ministry of Health, sheds light on the attitudes of parents towards childhood vaccinations. The findings reveal that a significant majority of parents (61%) support mandatory vaccination policies. This sentiment is echoed by 95% of general practitioners, who strongly advise parents to vaccinate their children for protection against various diseases.
However, the study also identifies a growing trend of vaccine hesitancy among a segment of the population. Approximately 8% of respondents advocate for complete parental autonomy in vaccination decisions, while 13% favor mandatory vaccination for only certain vaccines. This trend is further reflected in the increasing number of parents who choose not to vaccinate their children.
Among those who refuse vaccination, the most common reasons cited include negative experiences following previous vaccinations (32.2%), fear of autism linked to vaccines (18.4%), concerns about other potential side effects (15.8%), and worries about harmful ingredients in vaccines (14.5%). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and promote evidence-based information about the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations.