Amanda Peet has apologised for calling parents who refuse to vaccinate their children "parasites" in a U.S. lifestyle and family magazine.The new mum has hammered celebrities like -- who vocally oppose vaccinations in the latest issue of American publication Cookie.In an article about motherhood, the Whole Nine Yards star says, "There are a lot of misconceptions about the dangers of vaccinations... (but) frankly, I feel that parents who don't vaccinate their children are parasites".Peet is now backtracking after upsetting family groups with her remarks. In a statement, she says, "I believe in my heart that my use of the word 'parasites' was mean and divisive"."I completely understand why it offended some parents, and in particular, parents of children with autism who feel that vaccines caused their illness."For this I am truly sorry. Since my mom has Parkinson's Disease, I know what it feels like to want a concrete cause, and a concrete cure, as soon as possible. However, I still believe that the decision not to vaccinate our children bodes for a dangerous future".McCarthy is among those fighting vaccinations, claiming birth injections contributed to her son's autism.

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