MMR scare 'fuelled by ministers'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ministers are "fuelling the controversy" over health risks linked to the MMR vaccine by suppressing information about the decision to embark upon a national immunisation programme more than 20 years ago, the information watchdog has warned.
The Information Commissioner Richard Thomas has ordered the Department of Health to release a raft of 1988 documents under the Freedom of Information Act, saying that he believes it is in the public interest.
The Government had blocked requests for the information from the public on the grounds that disclosure could affect the commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies and could hinder future policy-making.
In 2007, measles cases in England and Wales hit a record high. The Health Protection Agency claimed it was spreading more easily because of the low uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination after an unsubstantiated scare over the jab.
Yesterday the Information Commissioner's Office confirmed it had ruled against the Government under the Freedom of Information Act. The Government was given 35 days to release the requested material.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments