The Raven's Blog

Myths and measles

Councils have greater responsibility for public health now, with the transition at the beginning of April from now-defunct NHS bodies.

But national matters are the purview of Public Health England, and the measles outbreak created by the media gullibility of Andrew Wakefield’s discredited theories a decade and more ago is its responsibility.

Local authorities will give all the support they can to the national ‘catch-up’ campaign, aimed at vaccinating one million teenagers.

In a week in which the press has launched its own alternative to the Government’s Royal Charter on press regulation, it’s a reminder of how damaging irresponsible and sensationalist reporting can be. Even Private Eye, not known for its contrition (Arkell v Pressdram, anyone?) has apologised for its role in pushing the MMR myths.

(Image: Gareth Fuller / PA Wire)

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