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CONSPIRACY FILES: VACCINE WARS BBC2, 9pm
IT’S an emotive and divisive subject, so this examination of the rise of the anti-vaxxer will make you angry whichever side you fall on.
As Britain loses its measles-free status and cases surge worldwide, the World Health Organisation has blasted ‘vaccine hesitancy’ a top 10 threat to global health.
But anti-vaccine activists say this is “the mass poisoning and destruction of a generation of children”.
This compelling documentary looks at the arguments of anti-vaxxers and explores the conspiracies that have fuelled fears, including how Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp has helped to spread misinformation around the globe.
There’s also an interesting look at the fact that the UK is the root of the scares, from a whooping cough jab link to brain damage in the 1970s to the famous – and unfounded – claim linking the MMR to autism.
Despite the efforts of scientists to assure safety, this vaccine war only shows signs of spreading.
PAUL O’GRADY’S LITTLE HEROES ITV, 8.30pm
YOU may not expect many laughs from a series about Great Ormond Street, the famous hospital that treats 600 children every day.
However, there’s nothing depressing about this programme – on the contrary, the heart-warming wit from the children as well as the presenter himself, will raise far more smiles than their health problems generate tears.
Tonight, Paul hears the story of six-year-old Noah, who was born with a genetic disorder that affects the body’s organs and has been referred to GOS for the removal of his kidney, which stopped working a long time ago.
The presenter also meets a couple of two-year-olds with very different problems. Lucas who has a detached retina and requires laser surgery on his eye, while Taylor-Rose has accidentally swallowed a watch battery.
Hopefully they’ll all be laughing and smiling before the credits roll.