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In 2001 a group of four geographically-linked vCJD cases presented in the Southampton area. Two of the victims were given oral polio vaccines from the same batch, they were both of a similar age and both received the vaccines as young adults.
Ray Bradley (see profile) was a Veterinary Scientist and member of SEAC. His role was to examine the cluster. He said that there was "No evidence whatsoever (of) any transmission of BSE".
The CJD Edinburgh Surveillance Unit also found no links between the victims. In April 2008 I challenged Professor Will, head of the Unit, asking him: "Can you categorically say that the vaccines given to two of the Southampton victims was totally free of BSE - infectious material?" He replied: "No, of course I cant."
When Andy was discharged from hospital, a member of the CJD Edinburgh Surveillance Unit came to visit our home. The Unit's job is to research and gather data regarding victims, their lifestyles and routines to find a common link/dietary factor or lifestyle choice that causes patients to develop vCJD. On June 14th 2007 the Unit's Research Registrar Dr Gurjit Chohan (see Prof Will Tyrrell Committee) came to see us. Dr Chohan asked me: "Since the beginning of 1980 has Andy been vaccinated? ... What year ...name of vaccine and route?" She also noted that Andy did not have the MMR but DTP diphtheria, and polio, and that polio was given orally, and that he had his BCG at aged 13 (1996). We know now these factors influenced Andy's risk, but at the time I knew nothing.
If I had been given an informed choice and known the "risks" attached to immunisations during the BSE scandal I would never have allowed my son to be vaccinated. I believed I was protecting and nurturing my beloved boy when in fact I could have been putting his life in jeopardy. Children were still being put at risk years later: On December 21st 2000 the Belfast Telegraph carried this report. "Children in 1998 were given polio vaccines made from human serum, albumin that were traced back to a donor diagnosed with vCJD" but assurances were still being given. Scientist Paul Brown at Beaumont Hospital claimed the risk was 'near zero as it was so diluted'
And: “A polio vaccine that has been given to millions of children and adults was withdrawn by the government, amid fears it could be contaminated by mad cows disease”
The Independent October 21st 2000.
(See also baby food)
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