A LEADING North-East consultant has warned of a resurgence in childhood killer diseases if parents continue to ditch the triple MMR vaccine in favour of single injections.

Next month, London-based private health company Direct Health 2000 is to offer separate jabs for measles, mumps and rubella at The Woodlands private hospital in Darlington.

The clinic - the first of its kind in the North-East - saw more than 300 families sign up within 48 hours of its opening announcement on Monday.

But the move has angered local health chiefs who claim parents are running unnecessary risks for their children and the population at large.

Controversy raged after isolated studies suggested that the triple vaccine could be linked to autism.

However, a recent comprehensive study ruled out any connection.

Dr Deb Wilson, consultant in communicable disease control for County Durham and Darlington health authority, fears the worst if doses of triple vaccines tail off.

She claims some unlicensed single vaccines available can cause meningitis and fears children waiting several months between injections could pick up the diseases in between, a situation which could be lethal for those children unable to be vaccinated because of other health complications.

"I sincerely urge parents not to go down the route of single vaccinations," said Dr Wilson.

"The triple MMR vaccine is the safest way to protect children against these potentially life-threatening diseases.

"There have been many reviews of the vaccine throughout the world and there is no evidence to support a link with autism.

"Separate vaccines leave children unprotected for much longer, which means they run the risk of picking up the diseases.

"Everywhere in the civilised world uses the two-dose combined MMR vaccine and it concerns me that parents in the North-East may be making the wrong decision for their children.

"Nobody blames parents for being anxious, especially after hearing so much negative coverage in the media. But their anxiety is unwarranted.

"If the uptake of the triple MMR vaccine continues to fall, we will see a staggering increase in measles, mumps and rubella.

"Two years ago vaccination in Dublin dropped below 75pc. More than 15,000 cases of measles were reported, along with two deaths and hundreds of hospital admissions.

"If this happens across Britain, the consequences will be devastating."

Direct Health 2000 managing director, Mrs Sarah Dean, said: "We are concerned that some children are not being protected while the controversy around the triple jab rages on.

"The vaccines we use have been used without incident for more than 40 years in Europe and the mumps vaccine is the same one used in the triple MMR.

"The most important thing is to ensure children receive vaccination. Parents have said to us that, without this option, they would have left their children unprotected."

For more information about single vaccines, ring Direct Healthcare's MMR helpline on 020 885 91511 or speak to your GP.