Court challenge on single vaccines
By Nicole Martin
(Filed: 02/03/2002)

A FATHER is seeking to take the Government to court for refusing to provide single vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella on the National Health Service.

Gareth Fairhurst, who has a 13-month-old son, believes that the Government's rejection of the vaccinations is in breach of the Human Rights Act.

Mr Fairhurst, 27, said it was important that parents were given the choice of single vaccinations. He launched a petition on the internet last month to gather support for his campaign and has received 132,000 signatures.

"It is apparent that the public do not trust the Department of Health, the Government and Tony Blair over the issue," he said. "People are sick of being bullied."

A poll published yesterday by Martin Hamblin, a market research organisation, showed that although 57 per cent of 1,000 adults questioned said they were happy to give their child the vaccine, 29 per cent would prefer three separate injections.

Previous story: Opposites attract in contest to lead National Gallery
Next story: Man arrested over stabbed girl death