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21 September 2001
MMR - SINGLE JABS TO CONTINUE
The doctor at the centre of the MMR versus single jabs row, Dr Peter Mansfield, is to continue to offer parents single measles and rubella
vaccines after a surprise backdown by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Dr Mansfield, who runs private medical clinics in Lincolnshire and Worcester, was due before the GMC Interim Orders committee on 26 September, to face a complaint of endangering patient safety. A spokeswoman for the GMC says, "We have been unable to find sufficient evidence to support an application for an interim order. However, our investigation continues."
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Mansfield said he felt vindicated by the decision. "It's not over yet, but I feel that this is the beginning of the end of the complaint. If the GMC can't find evidence now, it's unlikely they will in the future. "
A survey of 800 GPs carried out for ITN claimed that while 94 per cent of those questions believed that the MMR vaccine was safe, 45 per cent supported the option of single jabs. And 84 per cent felt that Dr Mansfield should not be disciplined for flouting official health policy.
"I hope that now more doctors will feel able to offer single jabs," said Dr Mansfield, who claims his clinics are now booked up for single vaccinations until February 2002.
Opponents of Dr Mansfield argue that the policy of giving single vaccinations exposes children to more risks, and lowers the likelihood of children completing the course. Dr Mansfield points out that the
vaccination coverage for MMR is dropping to critical levels, and putting us all at risk."
"I began offering single jabs in response to a strong demand from parents themselves," says Dr Mansfield. "Eventually the Department of Health must change its policy. It's a nonsense to ignore the 22 per cent of parents who want to protect their children from disease, but don't trust the MMR vaccination. Trying to bully them into it, just won't work."
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