Three-quarters of parents and grandparents in Romania believe that flu vaccination can prevent the flu, according to findings of a poll released on Monday.

Also, the majority of parents and grandparents agree that the flu vaccination of children can be carried out in nurseries, kindergartens, schools or high schools, according to the poll conducted by the INSCOP Research Institute December 5 - 23, 2025, on a commission from the Association of Private Schools, a survey of the attitude of parents and grandparents in Romania toward child flu vaccine.

According to the findings, 74.5% of respondents (71.1% of parents, 78.6% of grandparents) believe that flu vaccination can prevent flu. 18.3% (21.4% of parents, 14.2% of grandparents) believe that influenza cannot be prevented by influenza vaccination. 7% do not know, and 0.3% do not answer.

Asked if they would agree that the flu vaccination of children can be carried out in nurseries, kindergartens, schools or high schools, 52.4% of respondents (44.3% of parents, 63.2% of grandparents) chose the option 'definitely so', and 23.3% (26% of parents, 19.8% of grandparents) 'probably so.' As many as 6% (8.5% of parents, 2.4% of grandparents) answered 'probably not', while 15.3% (19.5% of parents, 9.6% of grandparents) - 'no, not at all'. At the same time, 2.9% do not know, and 0.2% do not answer.

The INSCOP Research study follows the way influenza vaccination is perceived, the aspects that generate reluctance and expectations from the authorities and the healthcare system. The findings are thought to be used for a necessary debate on prevention and priorities in the field of paediatric healthcare, given that the lack of information and mistrust fuelled by disinformation affect the ability of authorities to apply effective healthcare policies.

Data were collected December 5-23, 2025 using the CATI method (telephone interviews), the volume of the simple, stratified sample being 1,006 people, with a maximum data error of plus/minus 3.1%. The data are representative of the target population consisting of parents who have children aged 2-18 years and grandparents who have grandchildren aged 2-18 years.

A complete presentation of the data is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, part of an event dubbed 'Healthcare at the crossroads. Child flu vaccination. Perceptions, fears and responsibilities', which will bring together healthcare experts, representatives of civil society and decision-makers. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Catalina Matei; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)