– Beliefs unfounded –
Numerous scientific studies have clearly shown there is no link between vaccines and autism or other health risks.
In 2014, the parents of 79 percent of unvaccinated children asked authorities of their state to be exempt from immunization on the basis of their beliefs, said Anne Schuchat, head of immunization at the CDC.
President Obama tried to convince sceptical parents to ignore unfounded beliefs about vaccines as concerns over the outbreak grow.
“I understand that there are families that, in some cases, are concerned about the effect of vaccinations. The science is, you know, pretty indisputable. We have looked at this again and again. There is every reason to get vaccinated, but there are not reasons to not,” Obama said Sunday.
The issue of vaccinations has stirred up the country’s political scene, particularly among potential Republican candidates for the 2016 presidential election.
The issue presents challenges for the politicians who do not want to alienate the ultra-conservative electorate who sometimes reject the vaccine.
When asked about the issue, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a moderate Republican, said it was important for parents to have “some measure of choice.” His press office later issued a statement saying children should be vaccinated for the disease.
“While I think it’s a good idea to take the vaccine, I think that is a personal decision for individuals,” said Senator Rand Paul, a doctor and leader among the Tea Party, a more conservative movement.
On the other hand, Speaker of the House or Representatives, Republican John Boehner was very clear on the issue: “I do believe that all children ought to be vaccinated.”
The same message was echoed by Republican Senator Marco Rubio: “There is absolutely no medical science or data whatsoever that links those vaccinations to onset of autism or anything of that nature,” he said.
“So absolutely, all children in American should be vaccinated.”
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