Leon,
While I agree that MMR is "safe"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Leon Geffen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 7:26 PM
Subject: Re: ethics of MMR
> What we do know
> is that the number of children with measles in the UK have increased
> since the MMR naysayers have had their tuppence worth has increased
> substantially.
Which makes the MMR vaccine less effective than one would have wished.
If the intention is to eradicate measles - the UK is doing less well than the Americas
http://www.paho.org/english/ad/fch/im/Measles.htm
"Towards Measles Eradication
In September 1994, the Region of the Americas adopted the goal of measles eradication and, in 1995, the Health Ministers
unanimously endorsed a regional plan of action calling for the elimination of indigenous transmission of measles. As of May
12, 2003, the Western Hemisphere the Americas has sustained six consecutive months without indigenous transmission of measles
in the Western Hemisphere. This is a result of intensified vaccination efforts guided by surveillance activities and the
active search of cases. The full implementation of PAHO’s recommended vaccination for measles eradication remains the
cornerstone of the efforts in interrupting indigenous measles virus transmission in the Americas. "
If rubella is a target then the Americas still seem to be doing well
http://www.paho.org/english/ad/fch/im/Rubella.htm
"Control of Rubella and CRS in the Americas
Several countries have embarked on the accelerated control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) prevention.
Important lessons and knowledge are being generated from these campaigns. The rapid reduction in disease burden which has
resulted from the implementation of an accelerated rubella control strategy, combined with the availability of a safe,
affordable and efficacious vaccine, the evidence on the cost-benefit of immunizing against rubella, and the ample support
provided by the public and health authorities from Member States, have paved the way for the decision to establish the goal
of rubella and CRS elimination in the Americas by the year 2010."
> We in medicine try and practice according to the best evidence
> available at the moment, if that evidence is eventually shown to be
> incorrect, we acknowledge our errors and change our practice to reflect
> the best available evidence once again - it's an iterative process.
Could I be so bold as to suggest that the evidence base from the PAHO site seems to show that MMR is currently less effective
than single vaccines for measles and rubella.
The reasons for MMR being less effective might very well be for all the wrong reasons - but less effective it seems to be.
Jeff
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