7 Reasons Why We Should Not Need Boosters for COVID-19
MMR - The Warnings Ignored
by MELANIE PHILLIPS, Daily Mail
For three months, Mail writer Melanie Phillips has been investigating the MMR controversy.
Yesterday, in the first part of a major series, she revealed how crucial evidence has been distorted to give the vaccine the all-clear and how supposedly neutral experts are linked to drug firms producing it.
She also disclosed new research suggesting MMR's critics may have been right all along.
Today, she looks at the warnings that have gone unheeded.
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Little William Kessick was a bubbly and jolly baby. Bright as a button, he was born without problems 14 years ago and passed all the normal milestones of child development with flying colours. Then, at 15 months, he had his MMR jab - a triple vaccination for mumps, measles and rubella. Within a few weeks, his mother Rosemary says she watched her child start to disintegrate.
'He had started to use a few words, like ball and book. Suddenly I realised he wasn't saying these words properly any more. Then his language just faded away.
'The last word he had was juice; and then that went too. He started banging his head against the walls and the furniture. He stopped responding to the spoken word.'
Mrs Kessick noticed that although William was eating normally, he was terribly thin, with his ribs poking through. He had appalling diarrhoea all the time, and was screaming all day and all night.
'The doctors just dismissed it. I put it together with the MMR which seemed to be the only thing that had happened, but they wouldn't listen. I was told I was being a bit neurotic about his behaviour.'
As William got worse and worse, Mrs Kessick found one small ray of hope. Changes to her son's diet seemed to make a difference to his behaviour.
By trial and error, she discovered what other researchers have subsequently confirmed - that if such children avoid foods containing gluten and casein (derived from wheat and milk) not only their gut problems but also their behavioural difficulties dramatically improve.
The two sets of symptoms seemed inextricably linked. And Mrs Kessick was sure that MMR had somehow triggered them both.
She went from doctor to doctor but no one would listen. In desperation, she contacted a vaccination pressure group called Jabs, founded by Cheshire mother Jackie Fletcher after her own son, Robert, developed epilepsy and brain damage following MMR.
Robert, now 11, has the development of a 14-month- old baby. Doctors told his mother that that the MMR jab had 'revealed' Robert's epilepsy, not caused it.
Jackie Fletcher told Mrs Kessick that she knew of only one doctor who would take her fears seriously: Andrew Wakefield, who worked at the Royal Free Hospital in London, and was one of the first doctors to sound the alarm over MMR.
But WAS Mrs Kessick right to blame the vaccination for her son's catastrophic decline? And how could gut trouble be linked to problems with behaviour and the brain?
Are Wakefield and his fellow researchers scaremongers, or pioneers ranged against a hidebound establishment? Have they made an important discovery - or are they wrenching the facts to fit a theory that doesn't hold water?
To get to the truth, as this special Mail series is trying to do, we must look more closely at the medical arguments. As we are about to see, it is a story of warnings that have gone ignored and experts who have been savaged for failing to support official line. Yet however often the evidence against MMR has been dismissed by the medical establishment, the dissident researchers have come back with new and troubling questions.
Andrew Wakefield made his name researching inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). He had a theory that measles virus - which tends to home in on gut tissue - might damage blood vessels, causing the wall of the bowel to break down
and infection to set in. His early work was aimed at proving a causal link between measles and Crohn's disease, a chronic bowel disorder. He failed to do so.
His critics cite this as evidence that his whole case is flawed, but other researchers have confirmed a high incidence of measles in the gut of children with Crohn's.
In any event, Wakefield still had measles in his sights. He had noticed a huge increase in IBD among children. Since the gut was important to the body's immune responses, there was probably something to which these children's immune system was reacting.
Might it be the measles virus, or even the attenuated form of the virus in measles vaccine? Wakefield's concern deepened when he found that exposure to both measles and mumps in the same year appeared significantly to increase the risk of IBD.
The MMR vaccine, introduced in 1989, was for measles, mumps and rubella. In other words, it gave children simultaneous exposure to the two key viruses.
Wakefield became so anxious that he wrote to Dr David Salisbury, the Government's principal medical officer for communicable diseases and immunisation, drawing attention to numerous studies indicating an association between bowel disease in children and measles. He received no reply.
A year later, when he heard of the proposed re-vaccination in 1994 of more than seven million children to counter a suggested measles epidemic, he wrote again urging that the campaign be aborted while more research was carried out.
He was ignored again and the campaign went ahead. Meanwhile, more and more parents were becoming convinced that the MMR jab had produced a catastrophic reaction in their children.
Rosemary Kessick was one of them - and her relief when she contacted Wakefield was immense. Besides being prepared to consider a connection between the measles vaccine and her son William's bowel symptoms, he was also prepared to listen when she suggested that it was linked with William's behavioural problems.
'I phoned him and said I thought the gut has affected the brain - and bless him, he didn't put the phone down on me,' recalls Mrs Kessick.
William was examined by the Royal Free team including the renowned paediatric gastroenterologist, Professor John Walker-Smith.
They found an impacted bowel, diarrhoea and inflammation. After the examination, said Mrs Kessick, Walker-Smith came into the room and said: 'You are right; we think this is a new disease state.'
Once they started treating William's bowel symptoms, there was a dramatic transformation in his behaviour. He began to laugh again and use words for the first time in years. To Mrs Kessick, it was now undeniable that the two sets of symptoms were linked. She then consulted Norfolk solicitor Richard Barr, who was preparing law suits on behalf of hundreds of other parents who claimed their children had been damaged by MMR.
Follow the links below to continue Melanie's investigation.
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=171527, assetTypeId=1"}Why Japan Banned MMR Vaccine
by JENNY HOPE, Daily Mail
Japan stopped using the MMR vaccine seven years ago - virtually the only developed nation to turn its back on the jab.
Government health chiefs claim a four-year experiment with it has had serious financial and human costs.
Of the 3,969 medical compensation claims relating to vaccines in the last 30 years, a quarter had been made by those badly affected by the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, they say.
The triple jab was banned in Japan in 1993 after 1.8 million children had been given two types of MMR and a record number developed non-viral meningitis and other adverse reactions.
Official figures show there were three deaths while eight children were left with permanent handicaps ranging from damaged hearing and blindness to loss of control of limbs.
The government reconsidered using MMR in 1999 but decided it was safer to keep the ban and continue using individual vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella.
The British Department of Health said Japan had used a type of MMR which included a strain of mumps vaccine that had particular problems and was discontinued in the UK because of safety concerns.
The Japanese government realised there was a problem with MMR soon after its introduction in April 1989 when vaccination was compulsory. Parents who refused had to pay a small fine.
An analysis of vaccinations over a three-month period showed one in every 900 children was experiencing problems. This was over 2,000 times higher than the expected rate of one child in every 100,000 to 200,000.
The ministry switched to another MMR vaccine in October 1991 but the incidence was still high with one in 1,755 children affected. No separate record has been kept of claims involving autism.
Tests on the spinal fluid of 125 children affected were carried out to see if the vaccine had got into the children's nervous systems. They found one confirmed case and two further suspected cases.
In 1993, after a public outcry fuelled by worries over the flu vaccine, the government dropped the requirement for children to be vaccinated against measles or rubella.
Dr Hiroki Nakatani, director of the Infectious Disease Division at Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare said that giving individual vaccines cost twice as much as MMR 'but we believe it is worth it'.
In some areas parents have to pay, while in others health authorities foot the bill.
However, he admitted the MMR scare has left its mark. With vaccination rates low, there have been measles outbreaks which have claimed 94 lives in the last five years.
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=17509, assetTypeId=1"}MMR (measles, Mumps And Rubella) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.
Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Information:If you have any questions about vaccinations, you can:
When children should have the MMR vaccineThe MMR vaccine is given to babies and young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
MMR vaccine schedule Child's age Vaccine Child's age1 year
VaccineMMR (1st dose)
Child's age3 years and 4 months
VaccineMMR (2nd dose)
Important: Missed vaccinesIt's important to catch up on any missed vaccines.
You can still ask your GP surgery for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses.
Common questions Why are babies given the MMR vaccine at 1 year, plus 3 years and 4 months? MMR at 1 yearNewborn babies have antibodies passed on from their mother at birth. This helps protect them for a short time against measles, mumps and rubella.
These antibodies make the MMR vaccine less effective if it's given to a newborn.
By the time a child is 1 year old, the antibodies are almost gone, and the MMR vaccine will be effective.
MMR at 3 years and 4 monthsThe 2nd dose is given at around 3 years and 4 months, before a child starts school.
Having both doses gives long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Is the MMR vaccine ever given to babies earlier?Babies over 6 months old are sometimes given the MMR vaccine earlier than usual if:
The 2 usual doses of MMR will still be needed when they're older to ensure full protection.
How will I know when my child is due for a vaccine?You'll usually be contacted by your GP surgery when your child is due for a routine vaccination. This could be a letter, text, phone call or email.
You may also receive a letter from the Child Health Information Service to let you know your child is due for a vaccination.
If you know your child is due for a vaccination, it's best to speak to your GP surgery to book the appointment. You do not need to wait to hear from them.
Read more about booking your child's vaccination appointments.
Information: Polio and MMR vaccinations in LondonFrom May 2023, children aged 1 to 11 in London who are not up to date with their routine vaccinations are being offered polio and MMR vaccinations through GP surgeries, primary schools and community clinics.
Find out more about the London polio and MMR vaccinations
When older children and adults should have the MMR vaccineAnyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment.
It's important to check you've had both doses if you:
Your GP surgery should be able to check whether you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
You may also be able to access your vaccination record online through GP online services.
Read about how to access your health records.
If your vaccination records are not available, or do not exist, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.
Can I have the MMR vaccine if I'm pregnant?As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.
You should also avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after having the MMR vaccine.
It's best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while you were pregnant.
Evidence suggests there will be no harm to your baby, but it's better to let them know.
Can I have the MMR vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?The MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy.
If you have a medical condition, or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it's safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP surgery if:
Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.
It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them.
How the MMR vaccine is givenThe MMR vaccine is given as 2 doses of a single injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
2 doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure full protection.
Can my child have single measles, mumps or rubella vaccines?Single vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are not available on the NHS and are not recommended.
Combined vaccines like the MMR vaccine are safe and help to reduce the number of injections your child needs.
The benefits include:
Some private clinics in the UK offer single vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella, but these vaccines are unlicensed. This means there are no checks on their safety and effectiveness. The NHS does not keep a list of private clinics.
GOV.UK has more about why the NHS uses a combined vaccine
Effectiveness of the MMR vaccineThe MMR vaccine is very effective.
After 2 doses:
People who are vaccinated against mumps, but still catch it, are less likely to have serious complications or be admitted to hospital.
Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop around 2 weeks after having the MMR vaccine.
Side effects of the MMR vaccineThe MMR vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
Some children might also cry and be upset immediately after the injection. This is normal and they should feel better after a cuddle.
It's important to remember that the possible complications of infectious conditions, such as measles, mumps and rubella, are much more serious.
Common side effects of the MMR vaccineAs there are 3 separate vaccines within a single injection, different side effects can happen at different times.
Measles vaccine side effectsAround 7 to 11 days after the injection, some children get a very mild form of measles. This includes:
These symptoms are not infectious, so your child will not pass anything on to non-vaccinated children.
Mumps vaccine side effectsAround 3 to 4 weeks after the injection, 1 in 50 children develop a mild form of mumps. This includes swollen glands in the cheeks, neck or under the jaw which can last for up to 2 days.
These symptoms are not infectious for other people.
Rubella vaccine side effectsAround 1 to 3 weeks after the injection, some adult women experience painful, stiff or swollen joints for up to 3 days.
Rare side effects of the MMR vaccine Bruise-like spotsRarely, a child may get a small rash of bruise-like spots about 2 weeks after having the MMR vaccine.
This side effect is linked to the rubella vaccine and is known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
It's been estimated that ITP develops in 1 in every 24,000 doses of the MMR vaccine given. However, the risk of developing ITP from measles or rubella infection is far greater than from having the vaccine.
ITP usually gets better without treatment but, as with any rash, you should get advice from your GP as soon as possible.
Seizures (fits)There's a small chance of having a seizure (fit) 6 to 11 days after the MMR vaccine. This can be caused by having a high temperature in response to the measles vaccine virus.
It may sound alarming but having a seizure after the MMR vaccine is rare. They happen in about 1 in every 1,000 doses given.
In fact, MMR-related seizures are less frequent than seizures that happen as a direct result of a measles infection.
Allergic reactions to the MMR vaccineIt's rare for anyone to have a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine. If this does happen, it's usually within minutes.
The person who vaccinates you or your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. With fast treatment, you or your child will make a good recovery.
Gelatine and neomycin allergiesLet your doctor or nurse know if you or your child has had severe allergic reactions to:
The MMR vaccine is safe for children and adults with a severe egg allergy.
This is because the MMR vaccine is grown on chick cells, not the egg white or yolk.
Information:For more advice about what to expect after vaccinations and how to treat common side effects, read vaccination tips for parents.
The MMR vaccine is not linked to autismThere's no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this.
The Oxford University Vaccine Knowledge Project website has a list of MMR studies and their findings
MMR vaccine ingredientsThere are 2 different brands of MMR vaccine available in the UK. These are called Priorix and MMRVaxPro.
The main ingredient of the MMR vaccine is a small amount of weakened measles, mumps and rubella viruses.
The MMR vaccine does not contain mercury (thiomersal).
MMRVaxPro contains porcine gelatine to ensure the vaccine remains safe and effective during storage.
GOV.UK has more information about vaccines and porcine gelatine, including leaflets translated into Arabic, Bengali and Urdu
You can find a full list of ingredients in these patient information leaflets:
Information:Read more about why vaccinations are safe and important, including how they work and what they contain.
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