Despite the lack of scientific evidence linking the measles,
mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism, roughly one in four
parents still believe that vaccines may put some healthy
children at risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder.
Yet, in spite of these concerns, the Associated Press reports,
many of those parents still believe the benefits of vaccination
outweigh the risks.According to a University of Michigan survey
of more than 1,500 parents of children ages 17 and younger, the
vast majority of parents believe in the overall benefit of
vaccines. A study based on those survey results, to be published
in April issue of the journal Pediatrics indicates that 90% of
parents believe that vaccination is in their child’s best
interests. This was in spite of the fact that many parents—29%
of mothers and 17% of fathers included in the survey—agreed with
the statement that “some vaccines cause autism in healthy
children.” Many physicians have expressed exasperation over the
continued belief in a vaccine-au