After MMR row, parents face a headache over new triple jab

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by Julie Wheldon
6/1/05

Young children could face another triple vaccine despite the continuing controversy over the MMR jab. Advisers to ministers have approved a new injection to protect youngsters against bacterial meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia, which kill up to 100 children each year. It would come on top of the seven injections which most toddlers have had by the age of two to protect them against nine infections. Confidence among many parents has been shaken by claims that the MMR jab could be linked to autism. Campaigners want the Government to publish information about the new injection's safety and how it may interact with the other immunisations given to children. JABS, a group which supports families of children believed to have been damaged by vaccines, said some parents may be reluctant to accept another inoculation because of the fears still surrounding MMR. Even the expert committee which has backed the vaccination admits 'some parents may have concerns.' JABS spokesman John Fletcher urged ministers to learn from the MMR debacle.

He said officials tended to dismiss cases where children appear to have been harmed by vaccines as coincidence or anecdotal.

'As long as that front is put up, parents are right to be cautious about a new vaccine,' he said.

'It is about working with parents, not against us. We need to know what trials have been undertaken and which children it has been used on.'

The MMR controversy erupted in 1998 when Dr. Andrew Wakefield claimed research linked the vaccination with autism.

A large number of studies have since challenged his theory and the Government insists MMR is safe.

But the uptake fell again last year to only 8 in 10 two year olds.

The new injection has been backed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination, which is considering the number and timing of doses. The jab is already given to many older people and babies with serious health problems such as lung and heart conditions.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: 'The concept of a vaccine overload has been studied carefully and the science says this does not happen.

'A baby's immune system is capable of being exposed to over 1,000 vaccines'

Andrew Wakefield's website www.mmrthequestions.com

MMR: The Questions is a new and developing website. It will be used to present contributions from scientists, other professionals and parents who believe that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further research into the issue of whether exposure to measles-containing vaccine increases subsequent risk of a range of developmental disorders and/or gastro-intestinal problems

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