Parental knowledge, attitudes, and demand regarding a vaccine to prevent varicella

Background: Maintenance of high immunization rates is challenged by frequen t changes to the recommended immunization schedule. This study assessed par ent-reported knowledge of, attitudes about, and demand for a new vaccine ag ainst varicella. Methods: Six months following licensure of the varicella vaccine, a cross-s ectional study was conducted by mailed survey among a sample of parents of 23- to 35-month-old children. Effective response rate was 65%. Results: Three quarters of parents had heard about the vaccine to prevent v aricella. The lay media was the most frequently mentioned source of informa tion. Thirteen percent of parents had already obtained the vaccine for thei r child, another quarter planned to get it, and one half were undecided. Th e most frequently cited factor influencing parents who had obtained or inte nded to obtain the vaccine was their doctor's recommendation. For those und ecided or not inclined to get the vaccine, insufficient information about t he vaccine was the most frequently listed factor. Conclusion: Publicizing a new vaccine through the media may be effective in raising public awareness, but detailed information about the vaccine and t he recommendation of providers is still important in a parent's decision ab out the vaccine for their child.