THE medical profession should recognise parents' fears over the safety of the controversial MMR vaccine and carry out research to lay the issue to rest once and for all, says a Gwent mum.

Julie Loch, (pictured) from Marshfield, whose five-year-old son Oliver suffered bowel damage and developed autism shortly after having an MMR jab four years ago, wants a concerted and independent effort to establish whether or not the triple vaccine was the culprit in his and other cases.

"There is no consensus as to how to solve this problem, and those few who dare suggest that MMR may be causing harm to some children are being vilified," she said.

"This must be sorted out. If it is found not to be MMR that is the problem, then they can try to find out what is. At the moment no-one seems prepared to take this on."

Her comments follow the publication of a survey of more than 800 doctors, who backed the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Only one doctor thought MMR's safety credentials were "unacceptable."

But the poll for medical research group Medix, also showed that 85 per cent of those surveyed support continued research into and vigilance concerning the vaccine's safety record.

MMR vaccination rates have fallen gradually since a possible link with autism and bowel problems was suggested in 1998. The Government robustly defends the vaccine, pointing to several other studies which have established no such link.

But parents' worries are reflected in vaccination rates which in some areas have slipped below 80 per cent. A 95 per cent rate is the aim.

Some parents are suing the manufacturers of MMR, claiming it has harmed their children, and solicitors have been contacted by more than 2,000 families.

Half of the doctors surveyed felt single vaccines should be available to those who want it. The government is resisting calls for single vaccines to be made available, but Mrs Loch said they should be an option for parents not happy at the prospect of their children receiving MMR.

"Single vaccines are not an option for most parents, but they should be. There is too much uncertainty about MMR," she said.