4 March 2004

The truth about childhood vaccinations

RSM Conference Wednesday 10 March

The controversial debate about whether childhood immunisations are safe and effective has lead to widespread public concern. On Wednesday 10 March, the Royal Society of Medicine will host ‘Childhood Immunisation,’ a conference to discuss a broad range of issues surrounding this topic.

Safety and efficacy of combination vaccines: the story so far
Professor Adam Finn, University of Bristol
Professor Finn will discuss why combination vaccines have come into common practice and the need for careful evaluation during the development of the vaccine and while it is being administered to patients. The main concern being addressed by Professor Finn is the effectiveness of combination vaccines during a time when children are receiving multiple immunisations. ‘Although safety of these combination vaccines needs to be addressed, the main question is how effective they are in preventing disease.’

What makes a research study reliable?
Dr Vivek Muthu, Bazian Ltd.
Dr Muthu will update the findings of a 2002 report on studies that investigated the link between MMR and autism. Of over 2000 studies, the methods of only 20-30 were considered reputable enough to review their findings. The Wakefield study as reported in The Lancet was not selected as one of those to be based on sound science and Dr Muthu will discuss the criteria used to differentiate one study from another. He stresses that the process of distinguishing the validity of a study and determining whether it is worth public scrutiny is based on principles of common sense. He also touches on the reasons why the Wakefield study should never have been published and ways we can prevent intense panic caused by the media in the future.

A practice nurse’s perspective
Ms Sara Richards, RCN Practice Nurse Association
Ms Richards’ presentation will focus on the challenges practice nurses face in administering vaccinations to children today. ‘Immunisation has become a large jigsaw puzzle,’ she says, emphasising the importance of education. As a direct connection to the patients and their families, she will discuss the concerns expressed by parents and the role practice nurses play in the process, highlighting the fact that they must be properly trained to ensure a smooth running and efficient clinic.

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