Tracking mothers' attitudes to MMR immunisation 1996-2006

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of surveys that have tracked mothers' attitudes towards MMR over the period 1996-2006. The main aim was to demonstrate how attitudes in relation to MMR have evolved over the last 10 years incorporating the periods of time before, during and after the height of the MMR controversy within the UK. MMR vaccine remains the number one 'top of mind' vaccination issue for parents. The proportion of parents believing MMR to be a greater risk than the diseases it protects against has fallen from 24% in 2002 to 14% in 2006. The proportion of 'hard-core rejectors' of MMR vaccine remains stable at 6%. There has been a gradual and sustained increase in the proportion of parents across all social groups saying MMR was completely safe/slight risk rising from 60% in 2002 to a current level of 74%. There now appears to be a sustained move away from fears over MMR safety and belief in the unfounded link to autism towards a more positive perception of the vaccine.