In 1995, a British doctor first alleged that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine might be linked to autism. Boyce (Risk, Science, Health and Media Group, Cardiff U.) examines why this claim attracted so much media coverage and concern over the vaccine's safety in the UK--where, unlike the US, childhood vaccination is not compulsory. In the context of earlier vaccine scares, she draws on interviews and research in discussing why "balanced" stories on health controversies are not necessarily objective, and influences on parents' vaccination decisions. Annotation 2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
