MMR and homeopathy

I'm sure we are all really pleased that the evidence of the reduction of measles herd immunity in Wales has led to a large take-up of MMR vaccination. This will, I'm sure, have a positive impact on the incidence of measles and the serious complications that it can cause – the latest statistics show that one in 10 of the cases in Swansea had been admitted to hospital.

I have seen no mention of the other benefits of MMR, and that's quite surprising, as they are profound and significant – perhaps even more so than for measles. Mumps can also have serious side effects, and the later you have mumps the more serious the disease can be.

The most important long-term benefit is the reduction in the likely incidence of rubella among young women who become pregnant or who are pregnant when infected. Half of the children born to mothers who are infected by rubella during the first three months of pregnancy suffer more from less-serious congenital problems, and up to 20 per cent spontaneously abort. In the past this has been a serious cause of long-term disability, though only one case was recorded in the last year. The danger is the same as measles, though, and reduced herd immunity due to low vaccination rates is bound to increase the risks. The increased uptake of MMR in Wales will help a great deal.

On a similar topic, I see that Sarah Wollaston MP, who is also a GP, is concerned that in her constituency, Totnes, parents have been turning to quack homeopathic alternatives to MMR vaccination, with only about 70 per cent of five-year-olds protected. Fortunately, the British Homeopathic Association and the Faculty of Homeopathy have stated publicly that there is no evidence that homeopathic vaccinations can protect against contagious disease. Unfortunately, as they say: "There is no legal regulation of homeopathy in the UK and anyone can set themselves up as an expert." The problem, of course, is that there is no evidence that homeopathy works at all, except as a placebo – so both existing NHS support and legal regulation are very questionable.

So stick with the MMR!