Uncertainty about vaccine safety high on Long Island

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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

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.

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.

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 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.