ABSTRACT

Vaccines are one of the most successful methods used for preventing infectious diseases. However, there has been an increased public concern regarding the adverse effects of vaccines, especially among parents who are concerned about the false link between autism and vaccine. Evidence shows there is an increasing incidence of parental vaccine refusal resulting in outbreaks. This recent emergence puts a limitation on the role of parents in autonomous determination for their children, under the age of consent. In this review, we aim to identify vaccine safety concerns among parents and to evaluate the role of parents in giving informed consent on behalf of their children. Autonomy, although an ethical principle afforded to the parents of under-age children must be reviewed in the context of the results of the studies reviewed as parental refusal seems prevalent with the false belief that vaccines cause more harm to children than good.