Dear all,
Obviously the debate on MMR seems to be restricted to the UK. I come from a
developing country that suffered and still is suffering from the
consequences of war. In the early eighties, when MMR vaccination was
interrupted, we had an epidemic of measles that resulted in many
fatalities, especially among infants. I have yet to see one significant
adverse effect from MMR vaccine (17 years in practice). I do not know how
many opponents of MMR have witnessed the suffering of a child (and family)
with SSPE, not to mention the costs of worthless medicines prescribed to
them. No need to talk about congenital rubella!!
Countries with low prevalence of measles should probably think twice before
abandoning immunization. The globe is but one big "country". How can you be
sure that your unvaccinated child will not get the infection while
traveling on a plane, from the child sitting next to him ( and looking
healthy)!! What's worse is how can you guarantee that his immune system is
strong enough to survive or to escape any fatal complication?
mona nabulsi
American University of Beirut Medical Center
Department of Pediatrics
Beirut-Lebanon
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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