The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7175 p733-738
24 November 2001

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GMC drops MMR disciplinary case

The General Medical Council has dropped misconduct proceedings against Dr Peter Mansfield, a GP who was subject to a complaint that immunising children against measles, mumps and rubella using single vaccines, rather than the combined MMR vaccine (PJ, 11 August, p183) could be professional misconduct.

Rather than refer the case for a full investigation by the professional conduct committee, the GMC's preliminary proceedings committee opted to advise on his practice. It said that Dr Mansfield "should continue to give advice to patients about the full range of options for inoculations available in the light of the latest scientific evidence and the continuing debate."

It also advised that he should explore ways of actively informing other GPs when he inoculates their patients, rather than rely on their parents to do so (see GMC news).

Worcestershire Health Authority's director of public health, Professor Brian McCloskey, complained to the GMC that Dr Mansfield's use of single vaccines was in conflict with the body of medical opinion, which says that MMR vaccine is the most appropriate way to protect children from the three illnesses and that single vaccines put children at extra risk.

Dr Mansfield's position is that he is providing protection for children who would otherwise remain unprotected against the three infections because their parents have already decided that they do not wish them to receive the MMR vaccine.

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