The evidence behind the autism claim is fragile

[Guest guest]

I thought this was interesting because in some areas of Scotland the take up rate on the MMR is falling below 80%. That is astonishingly low and as a parent who hasn't given her son the MMR, I'm glad to see others *protesting* against it. I'm wondering if anyone knows what the reasons are for this? Is it because of the risk of autism or are there other reasons?

Darla

Scotsman - United KingdomThe evidence behind the autism claim is fragile

ALMOST a decade on from the MMR controversy the effects of parents failing to immunise their children for fear of inducing autism is still being felt in across the Lothians.

Figures obtained by the Evening News show that in four areas the number of six-year olds who have been protected against measles, mumps and rubella falls far short of the 95 per cent herd immunity levels being sought by the Executive and the World Health Organisation. In south Edinburgh the take-up rate is a worrying 79 per cent.

Health experts warn today that those who have not been immunised are susceptible to catching these potentially catastrophic diseases in later life.

Fortunately for parents who chose not to protect their children there is still time to act. The evidence behind the autism claim is at best fragile, but the possible consequences of catching the diseases are all too clear.

Click here: Scotsman.com News - Opinion - Failure to enforce strict laws would lead to outright carnage