Do what it takes to get the jab done

No one could have predicted the disturbing drop in immunization rates that would follow the MMR vaccine scare of 1998. The Lancet paper, which linked MMR to autisim, has since been withdrawn but the damage was done � other vaccines have since been tarred with the same brush. AIDS, sterility and cancer are a few of the illnesses allegedly associated with the polio vaccine. The claims made last year in Nigeria sparked a decrease in immunization and led to the spread of polio into neighboring countries that had been deemed polio-free. The whooping cough and pertussis vaccines also failed to escape the mud slinging.

No evidence was found to back up any of these allegations. Though accusations that immunization causes disease have been largely debunked, public distrust continues to grow (see "PCV-7 vaccine shields kids better than PPV-23" on page 15). Despite the lingering doubt over the safety of some vaccines, there's no question that not vaccinating is far riskier to public health as a whole.

The scramble by government agencies to clear immunization's sullied reputation is an ongoing, uphill battle that hasn't made much headway. A recent study out of the University of Guelph predicts, not surprisingly, that the MMR health scare will likely have a stronger influence on future vaccination trends than subsequent campaigns to win back public trust (PNAS, Sept 7, 2004). Clearly the burden falls on health providers to repair the damage done by the irresponsible MMR publication [find out "What To Tell Your Patients" on page 16 (will be archived on our website Oct 15, 2004)]. A concerted effort by doctors could be just what's needed to restore confidence in childhood vaccination programs before we see a resurgence of diseases that were previously well contained.

� Shereen Joseph, Editor