Rumors threaten polio vaccinations

Health officials in Pakistan say a drive to immunize more than 160,000 children against polio is being jeopardized by rumors the vaccine causes impotence.

The BBC reported that rumors spread by local clerics via FM radio allege that the vaccines are an "American conspiracy" to reduce the population of Pakistan.

Immunization teams have been beaten up in some areas, and some parents refuse to allow their children to be immunized, the BBC said.