New Poll: 40 Percent Of Long Islanders Not Sure If Vaccines Are Safe

A new poll released by South Nassau Communities Hospital revealed that about 40 percent of Long Islanders aren't sure if vaccines are safe, with 10 percent believing that vaccines cause autism — a false claim that has been routinely debunked.

The third Truth in Medicine Poll, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, surveyed 600 residents of Long Island and New York City about their thoughts on vaccines. While more than 90 percent of parents said they have had their children vaccinated, almost 40 percent are unsure or believe that vaccines can potentially cause autism. In addition, nearly 30 percent of respondents believed that unvaccinated children should be allowed to attend school.

Attitudes regarding autism and social interactions with those who have not been vaccinated varied by age, gender and racial lines, the poll showed.

"Parents who delay or refuse to vaccinate their children based on personal and non-medical beliefs are putting their children and others at risk," said Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, South Nassau’s Department of Medicine chair and hospital epidemiologist, who also is a spokesman for the Infectious Disease Society of America. "It is a great concern that uncertainty and misinformation about the link between autism and vaccines, which has been clearly disproved in numerous analyses, makes parents less trusting of these important vaccines."

The poll showed that 88 percent of parents believe that vaccines are safe, necessary and effective. However, almost 30 percent say they aren't sure if vaccines can cause autism, while 10 percent believe that they do. Nearly a third of respondents said that pediatricians should be allowed to refuse to see patients who have not been vaccinated.

The uncertainty about vaccines was more common in younger parents. Respondents in the 35-49 age group were slightly less likely to have their children vaccinated than their parents were. They were also the most likely to be uncertain, or to believe, that vaccines can cause autism.

The poll also showed that people of color were less likely to vaccinate their children than white people. But white parents were more likely to support doctors and schools being able to turn away unvaccinated children.

Today’s medical research indicates that there are certain genetic and environmental factors that may cause autism, but vaccines are not a factor. "Because there were unproven concerns that Autism Spectrum Disorder was linked to children’s vaccines and thimerosal, a compound that contains mercury and was used as a vaccine additive, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have compiled overwhelming medical and scientific research that does not support any connection between vaccines and autism," said Glatt.

New York requires children in prekindergarten to have proper age-appropriate immunizations. There are seven most common vaccinations: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP); Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib); Hepatitis B; Chickenpox; and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). There are exceptions to the New York State immunization requirements, including if a student has a valid medical or religious exemption, but not a philosophical exemption.

"The South Nassau Truth in Medicine Poll is meant to shine a light on public health issues that deserve more attention," said Richard J. Murphy, South Nassau’s president and CEO. "Clearly, the importance of vaccinations remains a public health concern where we could all benefit from a proper and concise education."

Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images