According to a poll from the University of Michigan, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, more parents have positive opinions about vaccines after the reappearance of some common childhood diseases in the past year.

Dr. Matthew M. Davis, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and internal medicine in the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the University of Michigan Medical School said in a statement that coverage of media on outbreaks over the past year, together with messages regarding vaccines for whooping cough and measles, could be influencing parents' thinking toward positive opinions regarding vaccines.

Davis said a quarter to third of parents say their opinions on the safety and benefits of vaccines have changed in just a year and this shift in their thinking is quite significant. He said views of parents that vaccines are safer and beneficial have come from their support of daycare and school entry requirements for immunizations.

According to Davis, “Outbreaks of disease can safely be prevented through childhood vaccination, but there are deeply held convictions about parents' autonomy and remaining concerns among some parents about vaccine safety”.

The poll asked the questions based on the risks of contracting measles or whooping cough, views regarding vaccines and support for school requirements. There were multiple-choice options and based on them change in positive feelings towards vaccines was rated.

In the poll, parents told regarding their opinions on advantages and safety of vaccines. One-third of parents said they realized that there are more benefits of vaccines and one-quarter said that the vaccines are safer.