Schools could require MMR jab
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.Children will be barred from starting school unless they have had the MMR vaccination, under proposals being considered by the Labour Party.
Mary Creagh MP, who is in charge of the party's health manifesto for the next election, has proposed the dramatic policy in an attempt to increase protection from childhood diseases. Primary schools would be required to demand proof that pupils have had the full range of jabs – including those for measles, mumps and rubella – before letting them register.
The suggestion is modelled on the US system, where parents are threatened with jail if children are not immunised.
But it has provoked outrage from doctors' leaders. Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA, said forcing parents to do this was "morally and ethically dubious", going "beyond the nanny state to a police state".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments