Effects of mumps a mystery to parents
18 April 2003
Parents are unaware of the consequences of some vaccine-preventable diseases, according to a small Queensland study.
When asked about mumps, most parents did not know the disease could lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and deafness. Similarly, most were unaware that brain damage and encephalitis were possible consequences of measles. Most also incorrectly stated that measles could lead to scarring.
Despite this lack of knowledge, many parents said they intended to have their child immunised with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Very few were concerned about any supposed link between autism and the vaccine.
The study involved 50 parents, who filled out MMR surveys at 6 Queensland Health Community Child Health Centres.
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 18/4/03
