Give us action,not jabbering

Meanwhile, a health department spokesman was stressing that MMR is "the safest way of protecting against these diseases". This is reassurance, parrot-fashion. Yet still parents dare to doubt the gospel according to the health establishment.

Such insubordination must be hugely frustrating for the chief medical officer and his acolytes, used to seeing their orders carried out unchallenged.

They should realise that times have changed. The National Health Service was founded on the motto "doctor knows best". But patients are not the unquestioning, submissive breed they once were.

People are far more knowledgeable about health issues than a generation ago. They are less willing to swallow whatever medicine is doled out to them until they know what it is, what it does, and what alternative treatment is available.

So it is with MMR. Few doubt the health benefits of vaccinating children against these illnesses. What parents want is the right to give their children these vaccinations separately.

However loudly health chiefs trumpet the safety of MMR, they cannot drown out the doubts. Today more research pointed to a link between autism and the measles virus. Even though this finding was not linked directly to MMR, it will further undermine faith in the vaccine.

Tony Blair had the chance to take a personal lead on this issue by having baby Leo vaccinated with the MMR jab, and then announcing the fact. His failure to do so has further shaken public confidence. Mr Blair is said to be investigating the cost of providing separate injections, a policy now endorsed by the Conservatives.

It is clear that the only way to stop parents abandoning MMR in greater numbers is to give them the option of separate jabs. This will be far cheaper than the cost of treating possible epidemics of these illnesses. It is imperative that the Government acts before it is too late.

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, February 06, 2002