MMR Vaccine: Individual vacines offer false security

5.52.19pm GMT Fri 31st Oct 2003

Switching from MMR to individual vaccines for each disease on the NHS is the wrong thing to do, Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said today.

Paul Burstow's comments are in response to a letter in the Lancet from Dr Simon Murch, saying that there is unequivocal evidence supporting the safety of the MMR vaccine.

Dr Simon Murch was involved in the original research that led to fears among some parents that the combined measles, mumps and rubella jab was linked to autism.

Paul Burstow MP said:

"Switching to the option of individual vaccines for each disease on the NHS is exactly the wrong thing to do. These are less effective and their safety is less established than MMR. This would start a loss of confidence in the vaccine as a whole.

"The evidence clearly shows that opting for a single vaccine carries increased risk not only for the individual and their family but also to the wider community."