New book: The Truth About Vaccines

In the spring of 2000, GP Dr Richard Halvorsen was commissioned to research the safety of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR). He had vaccinated hundreds of children and confidently expected 'to be able to reassure readers that the vaccine was of clear benefit and that side effects were either not serious or extremely rare'.

A few weeks later, he had unearthed a very different – and disturbing – story, which forms the basis of his new book The Truth About Vaccines. Dr Halvorsen believes that in children with an impaired immune system (which may not be apparent prior to vaccination), the MMR could cause an abnormal immune reaction, damage the gut and allow harmful chemicals to penetrate the gut wall and pass into the bloodstream. From there, they may attack the brain. Dr. Halvorsen recommends giving the vaccines singly, with a significant time period between is thought to reduce the risk in these susceptible children.

COMMENT: Vaccine injury does not respect age and giving one shot at a time does not ensure safety. I have treated many adolescents and adults who have become permanently disabled from a single vaccine. This book appears to be a step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough.