Should EU countries require childhood vaccinations for preventable diseases?
In January 2014, 102 measles cases linked to an outbreak at Disneyland were reported in 14 states. The outbreak alarmed the CDC, which declared the disease eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000. Many health officials have tied the outbreak to the rising number of unvaccinated children under the age of 12. Proponents of a mandate argue that vaccines are necessary in order to insure herd immunity against preventable diseases. Herd immunity protects people who are unable to get vaccines due to their age or health condition. Opponents of a mandate believe the government should not be able to decide which vaccines their children should receive. Some opponents also believe there is a link between vaccinations and autism and vaccinating their children will have destructive consequences on their early childhood development.
Response rates from 702 European Union voters.
Trend of support over time for each answer from 702 European Union voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 702 European Union voters.
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Unique answers from European Union voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@BBFNVWX 4mos4MO
This is a very difficult question for me. On the one hand, I believe parents should be the ones who choose how to raise and protect their children, so long as there's no abuse or neglect (though you could argue that failing to vaccinate children is a form of neglect). On the other hand, when parents refuse to vaccinate their children it can put the greater public at risk. This is still a great dilemma for me.
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Based on 702 responses to this question.
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