It is deeply concerning that cases of measles are on the increase in Scotland ("Huge rise in measles and scarlet fever", August 14).

This is a potentially fatal disease, which can be prevented. I would like to reiterate the position of the medical profession regarding MMR and encourage parents to continue to vaccinate their children.

Concerns about the MMR vaccine published by Dr Andrew Wakefield, who suggested a link between MMR and autism and bowel disease, have been widely discredited. Subsequent studies have found that the use of combined MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect children against potentially fatal diseases of measles, mumps and rubella. However, MMR uptake rates in Scotland are still below 95%, which means that optimum population immunity is not achieved and an increasing number of children are at risk.

The BMA strongly disagrees with the Conservatives' calls for the introduction of single vaccines. At best, this would leave many children unprotected for extended periods and would raise the likelihood of children being exposed to these potentially deadly infections.

There is also a greater risk that the programme of vaccinations would not be completed and young children would have to undergo six vaccinations instead of two. The evidence in favour of MMR warrants its use. If MMR coverage drops, outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella will continue to rise. We therefore encourage parents to protect their children by giving them the MMR vaccination and discuss any concerns with their health visitors and GPs.

Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman, BMA Scotland's GP Committee, 14 Queen Street, Edinburgh.