British view on vaccines - Letter to the Editor

It was very interesting to read the article about concerns over the safety of vaccines ("Parents Demand Real Answers on Vaccines," News and Notes, March 2002). Here in the United Kingdom, we have an ongoing debate over the use of the triple MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) and whether it is linked to the incidence of autism. This triple vaccine is administered through the National Health Service; the use of single vaccines was discontinued.

Many parents are unhappy as autism in children following the MMR injections seems to be increasing. Nothing has been proven, however. Meanwhile, the government authorized more research into the causes of autism, while insisting that the MMR vaccine is safe.

George Bell
West Sussex, England, via email

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