Tony Blair silent over MMR jab for his son Leo

Blair silent over MMR jab for Leo

Rebecca Allison
Thursday December 20, 2001

Tony Blair yesterday remained steadfast in the face of mounting pressure to reveal whether he had allowed his 18-month-old son Leo to be given the contentious measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Medical debate has raged over the safety of MMR following claims that it is linked to autism and bowel disease. Challenged directly for the first time on whether Leo had been given the MMR vaccine, the prime minister insisted the health of his children was private.

The issue was raised during question time by Julie Kirkbride, Tory MP for Bromsgrove, the mother of a 14-month-old boy, who told Mr Blair the public had a right to know if he had permitted his own child to have a triple MMR jab.

The Blairs have remained silent on the issue. Ms Kirkbride told MPs the government had campaigned to inoculate all small children and "prevent parents who want to give their children the single vaccinations from doing so".

"In these circumstances do you not see your legitimate desire to protect the privacy of your child is very much at odds with legitimate public interest on this matter who want to know whether you practice what you preach. Will you take this opportunity to let us know whether little Leo has had his jabs and in doing so reassure parents," she said.

Mr Blair replied: "I'm not going to enter into any public discussion on the health of my children." He said the government's recommendation that children have the combined vaccine was supported by the World Health Organisation.

http://society.guardian.co.uk/publichealth/story/0,11098,622403,00.html

Tweet