Single measles jabs should be free says MMR campaigner

May 20 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

A MOTHER who fought against a child vaccine blamed health professionals for the worst measles outbreak in 20 years.

Debbie Cole campaigned against the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab after it was linked to autism in a piece of research which has since been rubbished in a number of studies.

But mum-of-one Mrs Cole last night insisted doubts remained and blamed health bosses for not allowing individual vaccines for the three diseases on the NHS.

The Health Protection Agency yesterday revealed there had been 37 confirmed cases of measles this year, with another 100 under investigation. Just 17 people fell ill with measles last year and there were no instances of the disease at all in 2005.

It blamed parents for ignoring the MMR jab despite repeated assurances there was no risk from it.

Experts at the Health Protection Agency are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated in order to prevent the number of cases spiraling out of control.

Mrs Cole protested against the MMR vaccination and paid for daughter Jenny, now nine, to have the single jabs. And she said health professionals were letting the public down by not offering the single vaccinations for free.

The 46-year-old secretary, from Annitsford, near Cramlington, said: “There is no doubt parents remain concerned about giving children the MMR jab despite health bosses insisting there isn’t a problem.

“As long as that element of doubt is there then children will not get the vaccine, because parents do not want to risk their child’s health.

“If cases of measles are increasing then medical professionals in the region should allow parents to have the option of letting their children have the single jabs for free. Many parents can’t afford to pay for the single vaccinations and as a result many youngsters remain unvaccinated.

“Health professionals need to reassess the situation because they are badly letting the public down and the problem of measles will continue to escalate.

“If the single jabs were offered for free then I don’t think we’d have this problem now.”

Measles is potentially a very serious illness and can kill on rare occasions. It is also highly infectious.

There is no treatment, but can be prevented by the MMR vaccine which health professionals insist is “safe and highly effective”.

Dr Meng Khaw, director of public health for North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: “The current measles outbreak is worrying as many of the cases could have been prevented through this vaccine.

“The most important message to parents is to make sure your children have been vaccinated with two doses of the MMR jab.

“There is no cut-off age for the MMR jab and it is never too late to be vaccinated. We are aware that some parents organise measles parties so that their children can come into contact with others who have had measles. However, we would strongly advise against this as even mild cases of measles are unpleasant and the illness can have serious side effects and in rare cases be fatal.”

Anyone who is concerned should contact their GP or NHS Direct (0845 46 47) in the first instance.