Letter: Autism and MMR jab
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IT WILL cost more, in the long run, to pay for care of our autistic children for life, than to give the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination as separate injections, rather than the current combined one, as suggested by Dr Andrew Wakefield ("Doctors link autism to MMR vaccination", 27 February).
I quite agree that measles is a killer and no one wishes to see a return of this disease but, I, for one, would not have given my son the combined MMR vaccine if I had been aware that there was any chance of him becoming autistic.
My "normal" developing, very easy-going, responsive child is now shut away in his own world, needing 24-hour attention and assistance. Our family life is totally split; rarely do we venture out, all four of us together, as Michael's needs have to be considered to prevent ourtbursts of anger and frustration. We're not able to do things other families take for granted: playing board-games, going to the cinema, or to the pantomime at Christmas. Michael couldn't cope with these, becoming agitated and confused by the noise and crowds.
We should fund further immediate research and stop giving the combined MMR vaccines until it can be proved "beyond reasonable doubt" that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. I applaud Dr Wakefield and all the research team for taking the first step, and making people aware of this condition.
KAREN GOODALL
Cambridge
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments