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Autism

Parental Attitudes Towards MMR Vaccination: A Study from Serbia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers in Serbia conducted a study to explore the attitudes of parents towards the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has had a low coverage rate in the country, leading to several outbreaks with 15 fatal outcomes over the past two decades. The study aimed to understand the reasons behind the low vaccination rate and the fears surrounding the MMR vaccine. The research involved 40 parents of MMR vaccinated children, aged 1-8 years, from various regions of Serbia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the majority of parents (85%) expressed positive attitudes towards vaccines in general and accepted the MMR vaccination.
  • The most common source of information about the MMR vaccine was the paediatrician, who played a crucial role in convincing parents to vaccinate their children.
  • Despite knowing that the MMR vaccine is safe, about half of the parents (51%) still expressed fear of adverse effects, including the risk of autism.
  • The study highlighted the importance of open discussion with healthcare professionals to alleviate parental concerns and increase vaccination rates.
  • The research also emphasized the need to address lingering fears and misinformation surrounding the MMR vaccine, particularly in the wake of the discredited wakefield autism link.
  • The study involved 40 parents, with an average age of 36 ± 6 years, and used qualitative content analysis to classify their attitudes into five themes: general attitudes towards vaccination, sources of information, interactions with healthcare workers, fear of MMR vaccination, and perceived adverse effects.

Statistics:

  • 85% of parents expressed positive attitudes towards vaccines in general.
  • 51% of parents still expressed fear of adverse effects, including the risk of autism.
  • The study involved 40 parents, with an average age of 36 ± 6 years.
  • The majority of parents (95%) supported MMR vaccination when informed by their paediatrician.
  • The MMR vaccine coverage is low in Serbia, with 15 fatal outcomes reported in the past two decades.

Sources:

  • 'Indeed, I Was Afraid. But I See Now I Shouldn't Have': Voices of Vaccine-Accepting Parents About MMR Vaccination 25 Years After Wakefield's Autism Fallacy. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 2025;31(7).
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest, November 3, 2025; p 161.

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