Why are more parents opting out of child vaccinations?

by Dr. Jon Hallberg, Minnesota Public Radio

It's a familiar image. The doctor comes into the examining room, checks the baby over, and proceeds to line up the needles for the standard battery of vaccinations. But that common scene is changing.

St. Paul, Minn. — More and more parents are concerned that the shots may do more harm than good. They worry about a link to autism and other conditions. So, some parents are opting out of the shots for their kids.

But opting out can have consequences. By the end of August, there have been 131 reported measles cases in 16 states so far this year. That's the highest reported level since 1996.

Dr. Jon Hallberg talked with Tom Crann about his experience with this as a physician in family practice at the University of Minnesota. Hallberg has been observing the changing dynamic landscape of child vaccinations first hand.

For more information go to the CDC vaccination safety page.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 09/16/2008, 5:50 p.m.
• All Things Considered, 09/16/2008, 3:50 p.m.