MMR Vaccine - Should we be given the choice
by Chris Hogg

Research commissioned by this programme shows that a majority of parents believes there should be a public enquiry to establish whether or not there's a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Nearly two thirds feel they should be able to get their children vaccinated against measles mumps and rubella separately. This is despite the fact that around three quarters of the parents questioned accept the assurances from the Department of Health that the triple vaccine is safe. Our health correspondent Chris Hogg has been looking at the findings.

These survey results illustrate the dilemma for the medical establishment. Studies commissioned by the Department of Health, the World Health Organisation and public bodies in America have rejected any link between the MMR and disorders such as autism. But many parents don't seem to believe them.

The polling organisation ICM spoke to more than a thousand people. Seventy nine percent of the parents questioned said a public enquiry was needed to examine whether or not there could be a link. Only sixty five percent said their children had been given the triple jab. That's a lot less than the level needed to prevent an outbreak of disease. Although the vast majority of parents felt MMR was safe, more than half felt they should be given the option of having their children vaccinated separately.

A doctor who's been offering single vaccines is currently facing disciplinary action by the General Medical Council.

More on MMR - GP's confusion
More on MMR - MMR Facts
More on MMR - Chat with Dr David Ellerman
NHS immunisation co-ordinator for South London

Internet links
Government Vaccination Website- www.immunisation.org.uk
The Autism Research Unit - http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/vaccine.htm
MRC Autism report - www.mrc.ac.uk/pdf-autism_report.pdf
Q and A on Autism and MMR
JABS pressure group http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/jabs/
Public Health Laboratory Service - http://www.phls.co.uk/
Department of Health http://www.doh.gov.uk/

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