SIR - I feel compelled to let you know about my recent experiences, findings and personal conclusions about measles.

My seven-month-old son contracted pneumonia last month during the measles incubation period. He was seriously ill and spent six days in a high dependency unit. To see my baby in such distress and connected to so many tubes, wires and machines was unexplainably traumatising.

But why did he have measles? A figure of 15 to 20 per cent was quoted to me as the percentage of children in the area that are not vaccinated against measles, mumps or rubella. Too many parents are not immunising their children and the whole vaccination programme is falling apart. It relies on total participation to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected.

In my quest to find out why my son was exposed to measles I have tried to understand why a parent would make the choice not to vaccinate. My only explanation is some have forgotten what these diseases are capable of and therefore unable to see the benefit. If anyone feels justified in not vaccinating their child for this reason I would suggest a visit to the local A&E or paediatric ward to see the consequences of such ignorance.

Vaccinating your child against potentially fatal diseases is a duty of care

Simone Inett,

Worcester.