 News
14th May 2006
Concerns over effectiveness of MMR
The controversial MMR vaccine is in the news again as the
public health watchdog investigates concerns that two doses may not be
effective in providing immunity.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating after researchers
expressed 'concern' at low levels of mumps immunity in vaccinated children.
The new study, published online by the Journal of Epidemiology and Infection,
found that a third of children given one MMR dose, and 15 per cent of
those given two, had low levels of mumps antibodies. Experts from the
Health Protection Agency have described the results as cause for concern.
The results are published after a sudden rise in mumps has caused concern,
prompting GPs to call for a change in the schedule for MMR.
Children are currently vaccinated at 13 months old and again between
the ages of 3˝ and 5. GPs want to bring forward the second dose to shorten
the period when children are protected with just one dose.
Recently suspected cases of mumps have surged to about 2,000 a week.
Richard Pebody, a researcher on the study and consultant epidemiologist,
told the medical magazine Pulse that the agency was undertaking further
work assessing the effectiveness of two doses, which was a “priority”
given the recent mumps outbreaks.
George Kassianos, the RCGP immunisation spokesman, said, “The second
dose of MMR vaccine in our childhood immunisation programme should be
transferred nearer to the second year of life.”
The latest findings will cause more concern to parents averse to giving
children multiple jabs early in life. Controversy over the MMR vaccine
arose after unfounded claims that the triple measles, mumps and rubella
vaccine was linked to autism.
Phil Johnson, editor of Pulse, said, "For all its rough ride in the media,
the MMR vaccine plays a critical role in protecting our children's health,
and it's essential we ensure the schedule is working as well as possible.
"The latest research also reinforces the need to make sure every
child receives their two doses, which is still not happening at the moment,
despite the comprehensive debunking of the autism scare."
Where to next?
|
