Afghanistan, Nov. 9 -- Some families in Afghanistan are refusing or delaying childhood vaccinations because of concerns about side effects, rumours linking vaccines to infertility and distrust of health institutions, leaving children vulnerable to diseases that can be prevented through immunization.
Soriya, a mother of three children aged 12, eight and five, said none of her children had received vaccines, arguing that their good health so far had made her question the need for immunization.
"None of my three children has been vaccinated, and thank God, they are healthy so far," she said. "You consider vaccines very important, but those who refuse them must have their reasons. Parents care about their children's health more than anyone el...