MMR - Should we be given the choice

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/reports/science_nature/mmrvaccine.shtml

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/ Please Note: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Listen - Calls for a public enquiry

Do you think the MMR vaccine is safe for use on small babies?	Safe		Unsafe		Don't know		Total
	423	73%	63	11%	90	16%	576

Have you allowed or would you allow your child to be vaccinated using MMR?	Have Allowed		Would Allow		No		Don't know		Total
	376	65%	114	20%	50	9%	36	6%	578

Do you think parents should be given the option of their child having separate vaccines for MMR?	Separate		Combined		Don't know		Total
	366	63%	171	30%	41	7%	578

Do you think there should be a public enquiry into the link between MMR and Autism?	Yes		No		Don't know		Total
	455	79%	98	17%	25	4%	578

Terms

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.