CHILD VACCINATIONS – PART II

Last week we discussed the somewhat surprising percentage of parents (13%) who have chosen not to fully-vaccinate their kids, as well as how the majority – though not a large majority (60%) – of Americans feel vaccinations should be required. In that same study among 1,502 U.S. adults, we delve a little deeper to better understand Americans’ beliefs and opinions when it comes to vaccines…

First, it’s worth noting that almost all (90%) believe that vaccinations are effective in preventing disease, and the vast majority (83%) feel that not vaccinating puts the health of the public at risk. That said, a little more than half (56%) think that some vaccinations are too risky, given the potential side effects involved. And just over one-third (35%) believe that some vaccines can cause autism. Perhaps these perceived risk factors are where some Americans start to think that it would be wrong to require parents to vaccinate their kids.

About half of Americans (52%) also feel that those with religious beliefs against vaccinations should be allowed to refuse vaccinations for their kids, which may be a contributing reason as to why a larger proportion of the U.S. doesn’t feel vaccinations should be required.

Interestingly, older Americans (those 50+ years of age) are less likely than their younger counterparts to believe in these perceived risks and are also less likely to tolerate vaccination exceptions for those with religious beliefs.

• Some vaccines are too risky, given the potential side effects involved – 61% of 18-49 year olds believe this, versus only 48% of those 50+
• Some vaccines can cause autism – 39% of 18-49 year olds believe this, versus 29% of those 50+
• Those with religious beliefs against vaccinations should be allowed to refuse vaccinations for their kids – 58% of 18-49 year olds believe this, versus only 44% of those 50+

I’m not sure if these findings signify that older Americans are simply more skeptical about all the “risk” discussion surrounding vaccines, or if this finding reveals a general lack of awareness of the debate surrounding safety (since child vaccinations are no longer relevant to most who are 50+ years of age).

There is one more attitudinal finding I felt was interesting. Above we mentioned how almost all Americans believe vaccinations are effective in preventing disease. But do Americans think vaccines are necessary? More than half (55%) actually believe that some vaccines are not necessary – that the body can build natural immunity against diseases. The human body is truly amazing with what it can do, but I can’t say that I share that belief. In fact, I find it quite surprising that I’m in the minority here.

Regardless of whether you feel vaccinations should be required or not…do you believe vaccinations are not actually necessary in order for the human body to build immunity against serious diseases? Would you be willing to risk your child’s life on this belief?