Measles outbreak fears played down

The MMR uptake is said to be higher in Scotland

A health expert has discounted fears of a measles outbreak in Scotland.

Profesor David Goldberg said there has been a 93% uptake of the MMR (measles mumps and rubella) vaccination in Scotland and there has been no significant increase in the disease.

Government scientists had warned of a risk of a measles epidemic in England and Wales because many parents fear a link between MMR and conditions including autism.

Prof Goldberg: "No cause for concern"

However, Prof Goldberg, of the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, said all the indications were that the situation in Scotland was very different.

He said: "Our uptake rates are much higher than those seen in England.

"We have an uptake rate of about 93%, it's stable and that's an uptake rate that would give us no cause for concern.

"There is certainly some room for improvement, we'd like to see it up about the 95% mark but certainly no cause for concern."

The fears expressed by scientists south of the Border have led to a renewed call for a rethink on the vaccination programme.

The Scottish Society for Autism (SSA) said parents should be offered the option of a measles-only vaccine instead of the current MMR immunisation.

'Strong stance'

Chairwoman Jane Hook denied the society was scaremongering about MMR and said more evidence of a link was coming to light.

She said: "I think it's very wrong to say that we are scaring people. The Scottish Society for Autism has had to take quite a strong stance to say that parents should have informed choice.

"We believe that people should have their children vaccinated but we also believe that they should have options.

"If they wish to have the single vaccine, that should be available for those that wish to do that.

Mrs Hook said that many people remained unconvinced by government assurances that MMR does not have possibly serious side effects.