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Congenital Rubella and the MMR Debate
by Dr Pat Tookey, an expert on rubella
Dr Pat Tookey discussed congenital rubella prevention and the effectiveness of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine at a workshop during the "Dreams ambitions and realities" conference (5th - 7th September 2002). She looked at why the triple jab was introduced, what the evidence is on the MMR and autism, and what would be the effect of making single vaccines available.
Click here for more on dreams and ambitions conference...
Rubella infection and congenital rubella are currently rare in the UK. The cases which do occur are often associated with infection acquired abroad. Uptake of the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has declined in recent years, because of parental and professional concerns about the safety of the vaccine. There is a danger that rubella infection could start to circulate again, with serious implications for susceptible pregnant women and their babies.
Dr Tookey can draw on her expertise as an epidemiologist at the Institute of Child Health in London, where she works mainly on infections in pregnancy. She is particularly interested in public health, screening and immunisation and has been responsible for the National Congenital Rubella Surveillance Programme for the last 15 years.
Dr Pat Tookey - Biography
- Associated with Sense and its earlier manifestations throughout her 15 years with the National Congenital Rubella Surveillance Programme
- PhD was on CMV infection in pregnancy and she is currently carrying out national surveillance of congenital CMV
- Looks after the national surveillance of HIV in pregnant women and children
- BA MSc PhD Hon MFPHM
- Lecturer in Paediatric Epidemiology
Dr Pat Tookeys presentation can be viewed by clicking here. To view presentation you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer system.
