GMC verdict on Dr Andrew Wakefield should now boost MMR vaccination
take-up rates, says Unite
28th January 2010
The critical verdict of the General Medical Council (GMC) on Dr
Andrew Wakefield’s research linking MMR with autism has been
welcomed by Unite, the largest union in the country.
Unite, which embraces the Community Practitioners’ and Health
Visitors’ Association, said that the ‘damning’ verdict of the GMC
should now encourage all parents to vaccinate their children
against measles, mumps and rubella.
Dr Wakefield was found to have ‘failed in his duties’ by the GMC
today (Thursday, 28 January).
Unite’s lead professional officer, Obi Amadi, said: ”Hopefully,
the GMC’s damning verdict will now put an end, once and for all, to
the debate about MMR. Unite/CPHVA has always supported the MMR
vaccination programme as the best and safest way to combat these
deadly diseases.
”It is a great shame that for too long Dr Wakefield’s now
discredited assertions should have adversely influenced parents
against giving their children the MMR vaccination.
”Health visitors and community nurses will be giving parents the
information to make the best informed choice. We hope this will
encourage parents to take-up the MMR vaccine and create the ‘herd’
immunity, covering 95 per cent of the population, which will keep
these diseases at bay.“
Dr Wakefield's 1998 Lancet study prompted one of the biggest
health scares for years. It caused vaccination rates to plummet,
resulting in a rise in measles - but the findings have now been
discredited.
ENDS
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