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Single MMR Vaccinations

Unfortunately the former sole producer of the single mumps vaccine has discontinued production. As far as we can establish, this discontinuation was and continues to be, publicly unannounced, but has resulted in a complete lack of supply in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

As a result we can no longer offer single measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations as a substitute for the combined MMR.

An alternative protocol to consider is to give measles and rubella as single vaccinations followed by the combined MMR vaccine at age 3 ½ - 4 ½. This will allow the measles and rubella antibodies induced by the original single vaccinations to neutralize the measles and rubella components of the MMR.

We appreciate that this protocol will not completely alleviate any fears that you may have regarding the MMR vaccine but will protect your child against measles and rubella appropriately leaving then susceptible only to mumps at an age when it is a relatively minor complaint. The subsequent MMR vaccine will protect against mumps and boost the original measles and rubella vaccines and will be given at an age when potential development of autism is less of an issue.

At Doctornow we believe, as do the vast majority of doctors, that the MMR vaccine is safe and encourage our patients to be immunised in this way. We also believe in freedom of choice and will continue to offer the measles and rubella vaccination as single vaccines (once we can be assured of continuity of supply) as long as these two vaccines are followed by a subsequent MMR combined vaccination.

We would suggest that children using this regimen have their mumps immunity checked before entering puberty.

We feel it would be irresponsible to offer the single measles and rubella vaccination alone.