THURSDAY 07/02/02 12:55:23

Stormont MMR debate

Stormont Health Committee members were today split over the controversial MMR jab's safety.

Members of the Assembly body have demanded an urgent meeting with Northern Ireland`s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell in a bid to ease fears surrounding the government-endorsed measles, mumps and rubella vaccination.

Concerns have escalated that infants could die from a measles outbreak if anxious parents boycott the single injection due to claims it is linked to autism.

Monica McWilliams (Women`s Coalition, South Belfast) called on Dr Campbell to provide much-needed reassurance at a meeting she hoped would take place next week.

She said: ``All the evidence proves MMR works and we need to put out a statement to reassure parents.``

But her view didn`t receive unanimous support among her Health Committee colleagues.

The Rev Robert Coulter (UUP, North Antrim) said there had been a ``difference of opinion`` at a meeting yesterday when the issue was discussed.

He said the only way to end the debate was to hear evidence from the Department of Health and those against the MMR jab.

``My stance is that people should be given the opportunity either to have MMR vaccinations or individual injections,`` Rev Coulter added.

The committee`s deputy chairman, Tommy Gallagher (SDLP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone) stressed young parents needed to have their worries allayed.

He added: ``Members will be seeking reassurances from the Chief Medical Officer on the position taken by the Department on MMR and the dangers of measles outbreaks spreading to Northern Ireland.``
NI gov Dept of Health Social Serv. and Public Safety