By the mid-1990s, about 10 of the 4 million American children who swallowed the vaccine each year caught polio from it. Parents vehemently objected, and now a polio shot that eliminates that threat is used instead. But what really worries doctors is the spread of alarming and unproved allegations, such as claims linking the decades-old measles vaccine to autism. Gellen directs a new National Immunization Information Network that is researching how to help doctors give parents the most scientifically sound vaccine information. Recovered from meningitis Elise Andres, now 6 months old, recovered from her bout with meningitis and despite some lingering concerns, her parents still believe in vaccines.
Experts say the benefits far outweigh the potential danger.
And that's what they want parents to know.