MMR - Measles, Mumps & Rubella

Single & Triple MMR Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccinations

Through the NHS parents have only been afforded two choices: to vaccinate with the triple MMR vaccine or not to. Many parents have had concerns about the triple vaccination program since the publication of Professor Wakefield's, now discredited, study; which raised concerns about the triple MMR vaccine. And so, there are many parents who are deciding to opt against the Triple MMR ( Measles, Mumps, Rubella ) Vaccine leaving their children and other children vulnerable to serious illnesses.

For this reason, we have decided to offer the single vaccines not only for the benefit of each child but also to increase the immunity levels in the community at large. As doctors and parents ourselves, we are confident of the safety of the triple MMR vaccination and have given it to our children aged 13 months and at pre-school.

How far apart between single vaccines and in what order?

The ideal is 3 months apart. However this is not set in stone and is only suggested as it allows a complete immune response to each vaccine. Any further apart and there is a risk of contracting the other diseases.

The preferred order in our practice is Measles first, then Rubella and then Mumps. However, due to inconsistent supplies of the vaccines, we will discuss this with you and plan an individualised programme for each child so that they have all 3 vaccines completed within 6 months.

Cost of each vaccine?

The cost of the consultation plus the vaccine is £95.00 for measles and rubella and £140.00 for mumps. Please bring the vaccine record book with you so we can complete the vaccination record. We will also inform your GP via fax of the vaccination details so that the medical records are kept up to date.

If you are unconvinced as to the safety of the MMR and would like your child to have the single vaccines, then please telephone The IGP on 03456 252 252 for further details.

Triple MMR

In addition to the Single MMR Vaccines, we also provide the Triple MMR Vaccine.

For More Information Or To Arrange An Appointment Please Contact 03456 252 252

MUMPS VACCINE UPDATE - SINGLE MUMPS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

"Based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), professional societies, scientific leaders, and customers, Merck has decided not to resume production of ATTENUVAX® (Measles Virus Vaccine Live), MUMPSVAX® (Mumps Virus Vaccine Live), and MERUVAX®II (Rubella Virus Vaccine Live). This science-based decision will support vaccination of the largest group of appropriate individuals. Merck will continue to focus necessary resources to ensure that they can help meet current and future global public health needs for their combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)."

http://www.merck.com/e-business/reports/MVC_Supply_Status.pdf

The message above (posted 11/1/10 on Merck’s website) confirms our concerns about the future supply of Single Mumps vaccine. Merck are the only reputable supplier of the Mumps single vaccine. As a result of this decision, it is clear that single Mumps vaccine will NOT be available in the future. This situation is common to all clinics and is global.

We therefore regret to inform our clients that we will be unable to offer single Mumps vaccine in the future. We will still be offering single Measles and Rubella (which are made by other pharmaceutical companies) but will not be able to offer protection against Mumps.

The only way to now protect children against Mumps is for them to have two doses of the standard triple MMR vaccine. Our advice would always be to immunise your child and we are confident of the safety of the triple vaccine.

If you have concerns about immunisation or about having additional triple MMR vaccines following a single course of Measles and Rubella – please contact your NHS practice or Health Visitor, who will obviously be happy to advise you.