I keep hearing about measles parties as a way to immunise your child. Is this a good idea

asks H Gray:
A. The 'measles party' originated in the 1950s and 60s as a way to give children immunity from childhood illnesses, such as measles and mumps, which were more serious if caught as adults.

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Q. Why didn't weren't they vaccinated
A. Mass childhood vaccination of measles didn't start until 1968.

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Q. Why are measles parties popular again
A. There have been reports linking the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to autism and Crohn's disease, and some parents believe that the risk of catching measles, mumps and rubella is preferable to the risks of vaccination. The theory is that immunisation bypasses the body's natural safeguards and introduces toxins into children's bloodstreams, so it's better to acquire immunities naturally.

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Q. Are there any dangers with infecting children with measles, mumps and rubella
A. Measles: Complications are rare, usually an ear infection or pneumonia. Even more rarely, there is a risk of encephalitis (inflammation of the coverings around the brain).
Mumps: Rarely it can spread to other glands and be very painful. More rarely, it can cause viral meningitis or deafness.
Rubella: Usually very mild, but if a pregnant women is exposed to it, the baby may be deaf, blind, have learning difficulties or even die.
Most medical experts argue that there are fewer complications with the vaccine than the real disease.

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Q. How can you be certain that it's measles your child is catching at a party
A. You can't, which is one of the main criticisms of the party idea. GPs don't see measles often and it is usually misdiagnosed. Most cases of 'measles' are something else, such as scarlet fever or flushed cheek syndrome. Parents could end up believing that their child has had measles when they haven't.

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Q. So, are vaccinations always safer
A. It's an ongoing debate, with strong feelings on both sides and parents stuck in the middle not knowing what to do for the best.
The medical establishment is firmly in favour of vaccinations: for more information, visit the NHS and DoH Health Promotion website.

For an alternative view, visit The Informed Parent's vaccinations page, or Vaccine Information, or Vaccination Awareness Network.

Do you think that measles parties are a good idea Post your opinion here

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By Sheena Miller