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Games 2002  BBC Sport  BBC Weather  Thursday, 16 September,
1999, 12:36 GMT 13:36 UK MMR: A needless dilemma? Dr Adrian
Midgely reassures parents the MMR is safe The introduction of
the MMR vaccine in 1988 should have heralded the end of three
common diseases - measles, mumps and rubella.  But when
researchers raised fears that the jab may be linked to autism
and bowel disease in 1994, parents found themselves in a dilemma
when their child reached 15 months - the time when the first
dose of the vaccine is taken.  Although the scientists could
find little evidence to back up their theories, many parents
were frightened and over the past few years have chosen not to
have their children vaccinated.  Now Professor Liam Donaldson,
the government's Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales,
has warned that the UK could face an epidemic of the three
diseases if people continue to refuse the ja