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Objectives. We investigated vaccine risk perception among reporters of autism to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Methods. We conducted structured interviews with 124 parents who reported autism and related disorders to VAERS from 1990 to 2001 and compared results with those of a published survey of parents in the general population. Results. Respondents perceived vaccine-preventable diseases as less serious than did other parents. Only 15% of respondents deemed immunization extremely important for children's health; two thirds had withheld vaccines from their children. Conclusions. Views of parents who believe vaccines injured their children differ significantly from those of the general population regarding the benefits of immunization. Understanding the factors that shape this perspective can improve communication among vaccine providers, policymakers, and parents/patients.

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, routine influenza vaccinations have become increasingly popular, and pneumococcal vaccine has been recommended more widely for older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Given […]

Improved risk communication techniques may overcome some parents' reluctance to vaccinate their children. Overall, vaccines have a very good safety record, and vaccination is an extremely effective public health intervention. Nevertheless, some parents are concerned about adverse effects. Many parents are unaware of the serious nature of vaccine-preventable diseases because vaccination programs have been so effective. Presentation of the risk and nature of the disease, balanced by the small risk of injury from vaccination, can be persuasive., Concern over vaccine safety has been a major determinant of immunization policy -- from passage of the Biologics Control Act in 1902 to the recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [...]