Link between COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes and Support for Mandatory Childhood Vaccinations

Abstract Introduction Despite vaccines being a proven intervention over time to limit the spread of infectious diseases, in recent decades there has been fluctuation among parents regarding the mandatory immunization calendar in Bulgaria. Aim This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents’ decisions regarding mandatory immunizations for children in Bulgaria. Methods A total of 1200 Bulgarian citizens participated in the cross-sectional study, which included questions related to socio-demographic indicators, COVID vaccination status, attitudes towards mandatory immunization, beliefs in personal doctors, rumors about vaccines, and the desire to vaccinate their own children against COVID-19. Data was analyzed using Jamovi software, and a chi-square test for association was used to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination status and attitudes towards mandatory childhood vaccinations. Results The study found that 93% of the 1133 participants who expressed an opinion on mandatory childhood vaccinations had a positive attitude. Respondents who were vaccinated against COVID-19 and had a positive attitude towards mandatory COVID vaccination were more likely to support mandatory childhood vaccinations – 98.8% vs 1.2% (χ2=27.6; p