Treatments and Immunisation

Is the MMR safe? Do our own research...

National Autistic Society - MMR page
We suggest you start by looking at the National Autistic Society web site and read their page on the MMR and Autism. This page covers every aspect of this debate in much more detail than could possibly be covered by this web site. Please do have a look as they have clearly put huge effort into getting the right advice to you, the concerned parent.

BUPA.
The BUPA site has been updated recently and now touches on subjects such as Is the MMR vaccine effective?, Who shouldn't have the MMR vaccine?, Side-effects and safety, Autism and bowel disease and Single vaccines. Unfortunately BUPA only touch on these subjects but it may give you some direction in your own research.

The NHS MMR information web site.
This web site has been put together to answer any questions you might have about MMR. You can look for information and resources in the MMR library, ask our expert panel a question, and read up on the latest news stories relating to MMR. This site is very easy to read and follow.

Health Protection Agency (UK)
Answers to common questions: Why is MMR preferable to single vaccines? Also has all of in-depth fact based answers to MMR related questions.

Now, we move onto Homeopathy. I should add that as Zoe's father, I am a big skeptic of the whole alternative therapy industry. I did pull the plug on the homeopathy which we were using and paying a small fortune for. I did this as I did not feel comfortable with the whole process. I did not buy into what I personally saw as a process of theatrical healing and magic pills. Nicki and I were not in agreement over this and we have had many discussions over what we should be doing to help Zoe.

Alternatives to the MMR do exist -. It is apparently possible to vaccinate a child against Measles Mumps and Rubella using Homeopathy. Opinions are divided as to the reliability of homeopathy as it has not been backed by solid empirical evidence. Similarly the case against the MMR has yet to be proven conclusively. If you are considering Homeopathy - you can find a registered homeopath in the UK in these locations:

Faculty of Homeopathy (FH): Promotes the academic and scientific development of homeopathy and ensures the highest standards in the education, training and practice of homeopathy by dental surgeons, doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, podiatrists, veterinary surgeons and other statutorily registered healthcare professionals.
www.trusthomeopathy.org or 0870 444 3950.

Society of Homeopaths (SH): Largest organisation registering professional homeopaths in the UK. Registered Members complete rigorous training (normally 3 years' full time or 4 years' part time) with one of their recognised course providers, and undergo a further period of clinical supervision before becoming eligible for their public register.
www.homeopathy-soh.org or 0845 450 6611

These and many other links can be found on a very informative web site Dr Foster. This site has links to the regulatory bodies of a number of complimentary medicines and practices. These include acupuncture, chiropractors, homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and Osteopathy. There are also links to the British Medical Association (BMA, General Medical Council (GMC) and the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).

Measles

Impact of Measles MMR. Every parent's choice - BBC Panorama 3rd Feb. 2002 -

This is a transcript from a BBC Panorama program about the MMR. The program was emotive, enlightening and was fairly un-biased. This is a must read, especially the section which illustrates how much measles can devastate lives. This is a rare insight into the possible consequences of completely discounting the risk of Measles.

Measles can take hold very easily as has happened in Ireland " A measles epidemic is infecting the country, with 1221 cases reported so far this year, compared to 73 cases last year. This is the highest level of measles seen in the State in the past five years.... The National Disease Surveillance Centre, (NDSC), believe that the huge increase has come about through parents not vaccinating their children against measles."(Irish Health.com) Link to story ...

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Dr Andrew Wakefield
There is much made of the research conducted by Dr Andrew Wakefield. What is undeniably important is that there is a conflict of interest in every way associated with this research, both in respect of the research itself and all of the news stories that followed. Link to story...

Now this may seem that we are not being impartial here - by stating at least in part, a case for vaccination. Our daughter was not vaccinated - and she is severely autistic. We have autism elsewhere in the family and a genetic link cannot be ruled out. There may be contributory factors and even pollution has been cited as a trigger for autism. As Zoe's father I really do have one primary issue which I find unacceptable - the media's role in confusing and worrying many parents with their sole aim to produce sensational headlines which sell papers. The other party concerned here are those people who call themselves lawyers and who have earned a great deal of money out of the MMR scare stories.

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