We are assured of the safety of the combined vaccine but many parents, despite reassurance, remain unconvinced of the safety of the vaccine. In this situation, it is far better to have the vaccinations via the single route rather than not at all. There has been much talk lately in the national press of measles outbreaks in areas of London and the outskirts, and the South East of England (Guildford/Cranleigh) due to some parents choosing not to vaccinate their childen over the course of the last few years. The single vaccines are not licenced in the UK but can be given legally on a named patient basis. The vaccines we use are always from main stream suppliers such as Sanofi who also manufacture the combined vaccine which is widely used in NHS practice. Dr Lewis is happy to discuss the combined and separate vaccines with you. If you have decided that single vaccines are the thing for your and your family then separate appointments are arranged for you to bring your child to our clinic.

First Step is to call us on 08454599972 and book your child in for his/her initial measles vaccination.

Measles

Measles: Vaccine used is called Rouvax, manufactured by Aventis Pasteur MSD (France).

Vaccination Schedule: This vaccine is given first when your child is 12 months.

Early Vaccination Schedule: Due to outbreaks of measles in the South East of England, the HPA has issued some guidelines for vaccinating children less than 12 months :- it is possible now to vaccinate at 6 months, followed by a booster at 12 months and then a further booster at 15 months(+)

Side Effects: May occur 7-10 days after vaccination and can include fever, rash, swollen neck glands, conjunctivitis and cough. It is recommended that you give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if these symptoms develop.

Appointment Availability: Daily, including Saturdays; available to book up to 3 months ahead.

Although your child has other routine vaccinations at 12 months, it is still recommended to commence single or combined MMR vaccines at this time.

Next step book your Rubella vaccination with Dr Lewis in 4 weeks time.

Booster Info: Decide on when you will give the booster, previously recommended as a pre-school booster - this is now available shortly after the initial vaccination - Dr Lewis will advise on when this is available.

Call NOW for more information and to book your Measles and Rubella Vaccination appointment with Dr Lewis

0845 4599972

Mumps

Mumps: Vaccine used was called Mumpsvax, manufactured by Merck (USA), but only available now in combination with measles and rubella - ie MMR

Although your child has other routine vaccinations at 12 months, it is still recommended to continue with either the single or combined MMR vaccines around this time.

Stock Levels are nil for this vaccine and the worldwide shortage is due in main to Merck ceasing to put the mumpsvax in a single vial - rather, they are combining it with measles and rubella and chickenpox in the USA's quadruple equivalent of the UK's triple MMR. There is no plan in the immediate future for Merck to review this policy.

Link:http://www.merck.com/contact/home.html

**CAUTION** Some clinics are advertising MUMPS availability sometime in September/October/December- we advise you not to part with any money in advance. We have a long list of customers who have paid up front only for the clinic to go into liquidation. At SurreyGP, you pay on the day of vaccination.

We have no reason to believe that there will be any manufactured mumps vaccine in the medium term - Merck have simply stopped maunfacturing it and own the patent and have not released it to another pharma company. BEWARE!

SurreyGP

Parallel House

32-34 London Road

Guildford

GU1 2AB

0845 4599972

Rubella

Rubella: The vaccine used is called Rudivax, manufactured by Aventis Pasteur MSD (France).

Vaccination Schedule: This vaccine is normally given a minimum of 4 weeks after the mumps vaccine but due to the Mumpsvax shortage it is recommended to proceed with Rubella vaccination a minimum of 4 weeks after the measles vaccination.

Side Effects: Can include fever, rash, swollen glands behind the ears, and soreness at the injection site. It is recommended that you give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if these symptoms develop.

Appointment Availability: Daily, including Saturdays; available to book up to 3 months ahead.

Although your child has other routine vaccinations at 12 months, it is still recommended to continue with the single or combined MMR vaccines at this time.

Next Step talk to Dr Lewis about the options for mumps inoculation.