MMR: Are single jabs the answer?Currently, no country in the world recommends giving the three vaccines separately. Thirty three European countries, plus Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, all use the MMR vaccine. However, there are still health professionals advocating single vaccines. Read on to find out the case for and against...
The case for single jabsSome independent private doctors and clinics offer single jabs, arguing that this route offers a safer alternative to parents who would otherwise not vaccinate. "I believe parents have the right to choose," says Dr Mansfield the former GP who has crusaded for more than 30 years to change the way we think about health and offers single vaccines at his clinic. "I think there's a major question to be answered about MMR, and in any case, there's absolutely no point in combining three hazards in one. That's a bridge too far as far as the immune system is concerned." According to the MMR manufacturers, the vaccine should not be given to
anyone with a compromised immune system, or if there is a family or personal
history of neurological problems, or if the child has had a seizure of
any kind. Every parent should read these guidelines before deciding to
have the MMR jab. Ask your GP for more details. The case against single jabsPro-vaccination doctors like Claire Girada argue that there's no point in single jabs. "There's absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest any additional benefit from using a single vaccine. Those who offer it say they want to provide choice, but they are really pandering to parents' fears." Spacing out the vaccinations leaves children unprotected for longer, increasing the risks of epidemics. A long, drawn-out procedure, such as one year between injections, as recommended recently by Dr Wakefield, is likely to mean many children never complete the series. It's also more unpleasant for children to have repeated injections. The MCA restricted the importation of single dose vaccines on the grounds that these medicines are unlicensed and could be a risk. Where to find single jabsSingle vaccinations for MMR are not available on the NHS. However, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) does allow them for certain 'special cases'. These include if a child has already started on a course of single dose vaccines, or if a child has a special need, such as a known allergic reaction or a compromised immune system, that makes the licensed product unsuitable. There are private clinics offering single dose vaccines throughout the UK and you can search the internet for these services. A minimum of six weeks must be left between each jab, although many private clinics leave the choice of how long a period up to the parents. Prices vary widely from clinic to clinic and can range from £70 to £400. The jabs are given at around one year old, then repeated at around five years old. Where to next?
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