One Fourth of Americans Believe That Childhood Vaccines Cause Autism

A new survey has shown that one in four Americans believe that autism is caused by childhood vaccines, even though scientists have denied any link.

The survey conducted by Florida Institute of Technology showed that nearly one in four people believe that because vaccines may cause autism it was safer not to have children vaccinated at all, while another 19 percent were not sure.

Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

The scientists said that there is no evidence linking vaccines and autism, but the lingering fear is leading to fewer parents having their children vaccinated and a growing number of measles infections.

The fear arouse after a controversial 1998 British study showed a link between autism and the MMR vaccine, which at the time contained the mercury-based preservative thimerosal.

The study was later retracted by most of its authors and thimerosal was removed from all childhood vaccines in 2001, but responses to the just-completed survey show the public is still confused.

Immunization in Children
Prior to 1974, there was no organized immunization programme. Expanded programme on immunization (EPI) was introduced in 1974 by the WHO and adopted by India in 1978 without measles vaccination.

"Fear of the unknown, coupled with anxiety over the growing incidence of the disease, may be leading people to draw their own conclusions," said Celeste Harvey, Florida Tech Assistant Professor of Psychology.

The survey includes responses from 1000 men and women, 21 years old or older, randomly selected from throughout the nation.

Source-ANI
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