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Search forInquest to begin into death of baby after MMR vaccination
Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 08:30
George Fisher, described as a "healthy and robust child" was discovered dead in his cot in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire by his mother Sarah Fisher.
She and husband Christopher Fisher believe the vaccine is "implicated" in their son's death – particularly as, according to their legal team, MMR can cause raised temperature in children who have previously suffered fever, as George had.
In September 2005 he suffered a febrile convulsion (an attack caused by fever), was treated at Cheltenham General Hospital and released the same day.
On January 9 2006, George was given his MMR vaccination and returned to his home in Wyman's Brook. He showed symptoms of lost appetite, red eyes, and diarrhoea before he died on January 19.
A spokesman for solicitors Withy King, representing the family said: "It is documented that children who have experienced a febrile convulsion should be closely monitored following their MMR vaccination as it can raise their temperature.
"Mr and Mrs Fisher insist they were not told this when they took George for his MMR vaccination, nor were they asked about his medical history.
"After his vaccination, George developed a runny nose and gradually lost his appetite. He later developed red eyes and diarrhoea.
"Mrs Fisher made an appointment for George to see his GP but he was found dead in his cot on January 19 – the morning he was due to see the doctor.
"In the absence of any other medical explanation, George's parents maintain that the MMR vaccine must be implicated in their son's death."
Ten years ago research led by Dr Andrew Wakefield, a gastroenterologist at London's Royal Free Hospital sparked fears that the combined Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was linked to autism.
Several studies have since disproved connection but popular anxiety over "the jab" has persisted.
Last week it emerged that cases of measles had topped 1000 for the first time in more than a decade.
Mary Ramsay, of the Health Protection Agency, attributed the rise to the "relatively low" uptake of the MMR vaccine.
Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore will hear a day of evidence at the Shire Hall, Gloucester, before recording a verdict.
