Parental opinions on childhood varicella and the varicella vaccine: A UK multicentre qualitative interview study

摘要

Varicella-zoster virus can cause serious complications and require hospitalisation, even in healthy children. A live attenuated varicella vaccine was developed in the 1970s and is part of routine immunisation programmes in many countries including Japan, USA and Australia. The varicella vaccine has been shown to be immuno-genic, safe and tolerable.3 However, this vaccine is not given routinely in the UK and is only recommended for certain high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to explore parental experiences and perceptions of childhood varicella and to gain insight into parental attitudes towards a universal varicella vaccination programme. Face-to-face interviews were carried out at St George's Hospital, London and Stepping Hill Hospital, Manchester, over* a 6-week period from March to April 2009. Data were collected on index children and their siblings, if possible. Informed consent was obtained before each interview and no patient-identifying data were collected. The study was classified as a service evaluation by the local research ethics committee.