MMR research doctor resigns

Immunisation levels have fallen since MMR jab fears

The doctor who raised concerns about the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella triple vaccine has resigned from his job.

Dr Andrew Wakefield's medical school said his work was not in keeping with its research strategy.

He said he did not want to leave, but would continue his research elsewhere.

The doctor left his post at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in north London on Friday.

Dr Wakefield is to continue his research

Dr Wakefield, a consultant gastroenterologist, had claimed there could be a link between the injection and autism.

The college said: "Dr Wakefield's research was no longer in line with the department of medicine's research strategy and he left the university by mutual agreement."

Research into the MMR vaccine by Dr Wakefield prompted a scare about its safety after he claimed it had never been tested properly.

'Results unpopular'

He said original safety checks on the vaccine were poorly conducted and only lasted for four weeks.

The Department of Health "totally rejected" the research, published in the medical journal Adverse Drug Reactions and Toxicology Review.

The consultant has said he planned to continue his research into the vaccine.

He told a Sunday newspaper: "I have been asked to go because my research results are unpopular.

"I did not wish to leave but I have agreed to stand down in the hope that my going will take the political pressure off my colleagues and allow them to get on with the job of looking after the many sick children we have seen."

Population protection

Immunisation levels have fallen since fears over the jab were first raised more than three years ago.

In some parts of the country, 75% of children are immunised.

This is below the World Health Organisation's recommendations that at least 90% must be vaccinated to protect the whole population.

The government maintains that MMR is a safe vaccine, saying large-scale studies have failed to find a link between illness and the jab.