Most Americans believe the measles vaccine is safe and support requiring it for children, even over the objection of their parents, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Thomson Reuters.
The survey polled 2,008 American adults, including 785 Democrats, 666 Republicans and 378 Independents. The survey was conducted between April 30 and May 2.
Five survey findings:
1. Most Americans (77 percent) say they believe measles vaccination should be required for children despite objection from parents.
2. Eighty-seven percent of Americans say they think the measles virus is dangerous, and the same percentage say they believe that the vaccine is safe.
3. Eighty-five percent of Americans said that measles vaccination should be a requirement for children, unless medical issues prevent them from receiving the vaccine.
4. Democrats are more likely to support vaccination for children regardless of parental objections (81 percent) compared to Republicans (74 percent).
5. A majority of Americans (71 percent) report receiving the measles vaccine, but 15 percent say they do not know if they have been inoculated.