In this task we had to discuss the following statement: Immunisation continues to be one of the key interventions in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. We were given the option of looking at a certain aspect of immunisation or look at it as a whole. I decided to focus on the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. I chose this topic as there has and still is controversy over the MMR vaccination and whether it is linked to causing Down syndrome and Bowel disease. It was interesting to see how much the media via newspapers or TV affected societies mind whether to have the vaccination or not. having done all the research into both sides of the argument and seeing statistics alongside the arguments I felt that the highly unlikely risk of major complications are a risk worth taking as the side effects and complications of the individual diseases are life changing and are a threat to peoples life’s.
Below are some of the points that are in my assignment.
For MMR:
· Since introduction of vaccination in 1988, number of children who catch the conditions has fallen to an all-time low. NHS conditions
· If you come into contact with one of the conditions, your immune system produces antibodies to fight it immediately. NHS conditions
· No immunisation risk of an outbreak higher and these are dangerous diseases that can be fatal.
· 1987- 86,000 children caught measles 16 died. - http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_105189.pdf
· No child died of measles since 1992
· Close to wiping out mumps
· Close to wiping out rubella
· No link found in studies
· Babies can cope with up to 10,000 vaccines so three at once is ok.
Against MMR:
· Study by DR Andrew Wakefield- showed a link between MMR and Autism. NHS conditions
· Side Effects- common and rare
Bibliography
· CDC. (2011). Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Vaccines/MMR/MMR.html. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
· Hughes, S. (2011). Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Available: http://www.neilstoolbox.com/bibliography-creator/reference-website.htm. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
· Lever, A. (2012). MMR vaccine uptake reaches 14-year high. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20510525. Last accessed 27/02/13.
· NetDoctor. (2012). How does the MMR vaccine work and what are the risks?. Available: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/travel/203899.html. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
· NHS. (2004). MMR vaccine. Available: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/mmr-vaccine.aspx. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
· Smith R. (2012). MMR uptake rates finally recovered from Wakefield scandal figures show. Available: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9705374/MMR-uptake-rates-finally-recovered-from-Wakefield-scandal-figures-show.html. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
· Taylor, B. (2002). Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism: population study. Available: http://www.bmj.com/content/324/7334/393. Last accessed 27/02/2013.
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