Are single jabs the answer?
A recent survey by ICM commissioned by BBC Radio 4's Today programmed found that nearly two-thirds of parents would like the option of separate vaccines.
Parents seeking sympathetic doctors can find information via the internet, and also gain advice about having children immunised in France, where the measles vaccine is given to children under one, in addition to later MMR jabs.
The case for single jabs
Some independent private doctors, notably former GP Dr Peter Mansfield, are offering 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, who
despite the threat of disciplinary action, has children from all over the country booked into his clinic for single jabs for months to come. "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."
The case against single jabs
Pro-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.
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