Shropshire Star comment: Rumours no benefit to doctors

Doctors are in a spin as urban myths, unsupported by medical evidence, spread like wildlife and parents decide not to immunise their youngsters.

Little wonder, then, that the number of cases is increasing, creating a dangerous trend at a time when such diseases ought to have become a thing of the past.

A huge amount of medical research has gone into proving the safety of such vaccinations. And the positive benefits are clear for all to see as youngsters lead healthier lives and avoid the disastrous long-term effects that can arise.

Two things ought to become a top priority. Firstly, more must be done to educate parents on the benefits of vaccinations for children. Or, perhaps more importantly, the effects of not being vaccinated must be made clear. Youngsters can suffer real damage by skipping a programme that ought to be taken up.

The second thing is our medical professionals must look at the reasons for a fall off in vaccination rates and deduce what they should do in the digital age to prevent a further reduction. They must have better techniques for reaching out and engaging with vulnerable groups.

And they must continue to put the needs of children first, finding ways of debunking any myths that take hold among parents whose groundless fears and paranoia can cause difficulty for others.

They must look at the demograph in particular areas, taking into account such factors as culture, religion and more, ensuring kids aren’t disadvantaged by parents who may be reticent.

In the final analysis, it is important that parents accept the NHS guidance that MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) – in a single injection. The full course of MMR vaccination requires two doses.

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious conditions that can have serious, potentially fatal complications – including meningitis, swelling of the brain and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that can lead to miscarriage. Such conditions have been reduced by the vaccine.