Multivaccine risk

A study of childhood vaccines by researchers at Washington University in Seattle, based on risk analysis of 680,000 children, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine of 30 August 2001. The triple DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) vaccine was found to increase fivefold the chance of an infant suffering a seizure on the day of vaccination. The triple MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine more than doubles the same risk eight to 14 days after administration. But the study also found the vaccines ‘do not appear to be associated with any long-term adverse consequences.’ Parental concern is still strong, as shown by an ICM poll for BBC Radio 4. This found 80% of parents want a public inquiry into all aspects of the MMR vaccine, although 73% thought it safe. Almost two-thirds wanted the option of separate vaccinations.