MMR jabs plea as measles epidemic hits the West Midlands

Dec 4 2008 By Emma McKinney

won families the right to win up to £120,000 in compensation if their children had been left disabled through vaccinations.

“I would always say that a parent should research the subject well and weigh up the pros and cons.

“I think it’s vital doctors ensure a child’s immune system is good when they administer the vaccine. The jab is given too haphazardly without enough questions being asked, and in my experience that’s when complications occur.”

Meanwhile a pensioner, who lost his sight after contracting measles, labelled parents “irresponsible” for refusing to have their youngsters immunised.

Peter Tait, from Worcester, believes he would not have become blind at the age of five if he had been able to have the vaccine.

“I think every child ought to be vaccinated, if we can get rid of these three things all the better,” said the 78-year-old retired physiotherapist.

“The reason I am so strongly against the condemnation of the MMR vaccine is because the research claiming it was linked to autism is completely flawed and has never been proven.

“Doctors say MMR is safe and I believe them.

“I think parents who don’t have their children immunised are mad and irresponsible.”

• For more information on childhood immunisation speak to your GP or visit immunisation.nhs.uk or mmrthefacts.nhs.uk