Further to the article on the outbreak of mumps in Swindon I would like to point out that it is not restricted to pupils who did not have the MMR vaccine.

Many of those coming down with mumps did in fact have the MMR.

Also, if this is such a dangerous problem where are all the cases of permanently damaged children after having mumps itself?

After all, this "epidemic" has been going on since October of last year.

Of course it is debilitating and painful for a few days but once children have had it they are immune.

Very regrettably there will be the odd case with severe, long-lasting effects but these are a drop in the ocean compared to vaccine-damaged children.

All childhood diseases were on the decrease before vaccines were introduced. The drug companies take advantage of this fact and take the credit.

There has never been a vaccine for scarlet fever and that has virtually died out.

Diphtheria is declining in European countries and there is no vaccine for that.

Just as we learn to walk and talk our immune systems learn to combat diseases.

When this is not allowed to happen, auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes increase in later life.

Also, there is growing evidence to suggest vaccines may be one of the causes of disruptive, anti-social behaviour.

If people choose to vaccinate their children they should be made aware of the reverse argument not just given an A5 pamphlet saying it is OK. Then they can make an informed decision.

P Howells

LBSH MARH

Licensed Homoeopath

Dynamisys Clinic

Farmarsh House

Cotmarsh

Broad Town