He was then transferred to London Great Ormond Street for brain surgery. Samples of his brain tissue where analysed, the results showed traces of the Measles virus “consistent” with the vaccine rather than the “wild” strain. Tissue also from the same boys intestine showed the vaccine.
The boy’s case formed a central plank, of forthcoming legal action, by autistic and brain damaged children against vaccine manufacturers.
Experts such as Robert Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Charity Visceral, which funds the research by MMR opponent Dr Andrew Wakefield said “The world must pay immediate attention to this evidence, especially when the Government is not taking the issue seriously”.
Who does not use the MMR?
Japan as a country, manufactures its own vaccine. A problem arose with the Mumps part of their vaccine shortly after its introduction in 1989. The Mumps part of the vaccine was found to be associated with aseptic mumps virus meningitis. The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare reported “As a result the authorities temporarily suspended their MMR vaccines in April 1993.”
A suitable Japanese manufactured MMR vaccine has not been re-introduced in Japan, but Ueda K (1995) responds saying that.”Japan is hoping to have another MMR available soon”. Balraj V, Miller E (1995) make clear “The mumps component in the MMR used in the US is NOT associated with aseptic mumps meningitis”, suggesting that there are no familiarities between Japan’s MMR vaccine and that of the UK.
Who also uses the MMR?
A two dose MMR vaccine programme, very similar to the current British immunization programme, commenced in Finland in 1982. A report showing its impact was published, Peltola (1994). The Finnish programme led to the elimination of indigenous Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The report concluded, after 12 years experience of using a two-dose MMR programme. No deaths or long-term safety problems were associated with the vaccine.
The two-dose vaccine has also been used in the US since the 1970’s. It was introduced to the UK in 1988. The vaccine used in both the US and Finland is the same as that currently used in the UK today. It is estimated that approximately 9 million MMR immunizations have been given in Britain since its introduction.
In effect studies have shown that the MMR vaccine to be highly effective, as its extensive use in other countries shows, along with its excellent safety record.
An Independent Inquiry Disassociates the MMR with Autism and Bowel Disease.
On 23 March 1998, a meeting of 37 independent experts took place, to examine all the evidence that years of experience had produced.
The experts from a range of disciplines met to, listen to, and review the published and unpublished research into any association between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism and bowel disease. At the meeting the Royal Free Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group (RFH-IBDSG) presented their findings.
RFH-IBDSG (1998) clarified “There is no evidence to indicate any link between MMR vaccination and bowl disease or autism; and there is, therefore no reason for a change in the current MMR vaccination Policy”.
Following the fore mentioned meeting the Chief Medical Officer Northern Ireland wrote to all doctors, summarizing the research. Thus advising them, to advise parents, “This is the safest way for you to protect your children against the dangers of measles, mumps and rubella”.
It is estimated that in the UK alone (approax) 9 million MMR immunizations have been given, since its introduction in 1988.
References:
Balraj V, Miller E (1995) “Complications of Mumps Vaccine”.
Reviews in Medical Virology
5; pp219 – 227
Johnston,L (2002) Sunday Express 6 October 2002
Health Editor
Marvyama H, Tomizawa I (1994) “Reports on Aseptic Meningitis after MMR Vaccination”.
Clin Virol
22; pp77 – 82
Medical Research Council (MRC) (1998) Expert Meeting of 23 March 1998
“New Archives of the MRC”.
under “What’s New”
Peltola (1994) “The elimination of indigenous measles, mumps and rubella from Finland, by a 12 year, two-dose vaccination programme”.
New England Journal of Medicine
331; pp1397 – 1402
Ueda K, (1995) “Aseptic meningitis caused by measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in Japan”.
Lancet Medical Journal”.
346; pp701 – 702