Vaccine risk perception among reporters of autism after vaccination: vaccine adverse event reporting system 1990-2001.

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.