Impact of vaccine cost and information about complications of varicella on parental decision regarding varicella vaccine

Background: The influence of providing information about complications of disease and vaccine cost on parental decision to vaccinate against varicella was assessed. Method: During telephone interviews of 330 parents of infants aged 9 months, parents were asked if they would agree to have their child vaccinated and were presented information first about varicella complications and then about cost of the vaccine. Results: When complications were explained but information about cost was not, 94% of parents were favourable toward having their child vaccinated. When complications were not explained but cost was presented, this percentage was only 34%. When both cost and complications were presented, 60% of parents were favourable toward the vaccine. Interpretation: In improving receptivity towards varicella vaccine, parents should always be presented data regarding varicella complications by their health care provider.