Here's my suggestion below Twiglett.
RE: DTP vaccinations for xxxx xxxx xxxx
Dear Dr xxx
Further to our discussions on Wednesday 16 June 2004, we are writing to explain why we would prefer DTaP vaccinations rather than DTwP for our daughter, dd1.
We believe strongly in vaccination but are concerned that injecting ethylmercury into infants can be potentially problematic in certain cases. Our daughter is potentially at increased risk of serious adverse effects due to her father?s history of auto-immune disease (and potential inheritance of genetic marker HLA B27). The latest research published by Columbia University in June 2004 identified just such a risk in mice (first-stage research).
We appreciate that DTwP is the ?recommended? vaccination course at present, despite plans to phase it out, however we also believe that following consultations with their GP, parents have the choice to request DtaP instead, with their GP?s consent. We accept that as a busy practice with a large number of infants in your care that you have to have a consistent policy, but do hope that you will be willing to make exceptions in certain cases and when requested by parents.
We have been advised that DtaP (Infanrix or Infanrix-Hib) are both listed in the BNF as suitable for the primary course of vaccinations and can be obtained directly from the Health Authority. I understand that you will already be receiving these as pre-school boosters and can prescribe them as you see fit on the NHS, including to infants. As you asked us to let you know where you could source this vaccine, the manufacturers details are Farillon Ltd, Ashton Road, Romford, Essex, RM3 8UE (01708 379000), however I understand that if sourcing directly they would have to be ?bought?
We understand that in a memorandum to all Medical Directors of NHS Trusts in June 2003, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Fraser recommended DTwP but concluded with the comment that ? (it should be recognised) that a final decision about immunisation of a child requires the informed consent of a parent or guardian and that it is open to parents to request, and doctors to provide, an alternative vaccine, which is licensed in the UK and available through the NHS"
I'd like to reiterate that as parents we are very PRO-vaccination, however are not comfortable with DTwP and respectfully request that you vaccinate our dd with DTaP.
We understand that if we do not vaccinate at this stage but leave it until our daughter is 3 and a half then DTaP will be given as a matter of course. I am sure you will appreciate that we would be far happier ensuring the vaccination course is completed as an infant using these pre-school booster shots of DtaP (we assume this is Infanrix, but as we have no way of determining your supplier cannot assert this confidently)
Having discussed this matter with the Primary Health Care Trust for Southwark and the Principal Pharmacist (waiting to hear from her .. will fill in any relevant details after telephone conversation)
We would be very grateful to hear your decision on this matter as soon as possible and would be happy to come and discuss this further with you if you require.
Kind regards
Mr & Mrs Twiglett