British government launches measles fearmongering campaign following public distrust of vaccines

Measles fears prompt MMR campaign
Thursday, Aug 7, 2008

BBC

The government has launched a campaign to raise MMR vaccination rates in England amid growing concerns about a measles epidemic.

The Department of Health has asked primary care trusts (PCTs) to offer the jab to all children up to the age of 18 not already fully protected.

Extra vaccine supplies and funding are being made available.

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An epidemic of measles – which can be fatal – could potentially affect up to 100,000 young people in England alone.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Experts say it is perfectly safe, but vaccination rates dipped following controversy about its safety.

A study which raised the possibility that MMR was linked to autism has since been dismissed by the vast majority of research, but levels of public confidence in the jab have still not fully recovered.

In a letter to all PCTs, the Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson asks health bosses to urge parents to get their children immunised.

An average PCT will receive £30,000 to help fund the catch-up campaign.

In London, PCTs will receive £60,000, reflecting the higher numbers of children who have yet to be vaccinated.

Full article here

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