Seeking a Variation on MMR Vaccine

From what I have read, and discussed with my pediatrician, (who I trust with my child's life, after all) there is absolutely no benefit to delaying/separating vaccines. I know there are others that believe differently, but NO clinical study has ever proven otherwise. Also, delaying vaccines means your child is vulnerable to diseases for a longer time. The vaccines have to be given a month apart, so that is 3 separate visits (and copays!) and also 3 "owies" for your baby. And while waiting for each vaccine, your child is vulnerable to catching that diseases.

I work in peds we were just informed that they will not be making them seperate anymore just the mmr combo.

I asked about this, and the only option I have been given is to purchase them separately - at a cost of between $1000 and $2000, because they do not come in single doses but in 10 doses. So - I would have to purchase 10 doses of M, 10 doses of M, and 10 doses of R. Merck has now decided not to begin selling them in separate single doses. I am either going to purchase them this way or wait as long as possible until giving the shot. If you knew enough parents who want to do it this way, you can split the cost up, which is what Im going to try to do.

Hi O.,
My son (now 21) became very ill after his DPT vaccine when he was about 1 or 2 years old.Our pediatrician gave him half doses after that.I don't remember what we did about the MMR vaccine.But its worth the call to his office.He practices in Arlington Heights and his name is Dr. El Golon.Wonderful doctor that we stayed with until my son was 16.Hope this helps.

I just asked my pediatrician about this and apparently the manufacturer no longer makes them separately. That said, it's still safer to get the combo than not at all. Good luck!

Hi O..
You used to be able to get them seperately, but now it is just the combo. The dr. Sears website says that in 2011, you will be able to get them seperately again. My son is only 6 months, but when the time comes, I will absolutely NOT give him the combo one. Good for you for doing your reasearch. Good luck!

Don't know where to get them separately, but here is an excellent website with information about vaccines. I have found this to be helpful and objective.
http://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/home...

My pediatrician told me last night that it is no longer available separately. Check this out:

http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

My doctor also said waiting until after age 3 is totally fine (and who knows, maybe it will be available separately in the future).

I notice you're from Evanston. I just met my new pediatrician last night in Skokie. His name is Dr Minkus and I was really impressed with him!

I broke them up for my son. I got the individuals at Childrens Memorial Hospital and my ped administered them - they were about $75 a piece. However, like the other posters said, getting them now is impossible. Merck is the manufacturer and if you check their vaccine schedule on their website, you can see that the measles isn't scheduled to be manufactured again for two years. I believe you can still get mumps and rubella seperately but it is the measles which is out of stock. Having 2 out of 3 doesn't do much good. :( I have a daughter who will need her MMR in the next year too - it is definitely a worry.

Good luck

My pediatrician does a slower schedule and does not always do every vaccine...and he does this as an MMR. So I'm ok with it, since he's already spaced her whole series (only one shot at a time, one per month)

I have the record, and the supplier he used was Merck for it in September (she just got it and did not react.).