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Original poster

MMR & HIB

29 replies

StressyHead · 09/12/2003 17:45

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Jenie · 09/12/2003 18:21

Another thing to think about is that my dd didn't have an egg allergy until she had her MMR. She now has peanut allergy and an egg allergy - as I'm sure you can imagen it's not much fun going to birthday parties with your own packed lunch and still not getting to eat birthday cake like everyone else.

Or even school xmas party which we've decided to keep her off for as I can't bare to see her heart broken so close to xmas because she can't eat the same as everyone else.

Agree that there are already lots of other threads on this and wading through them is tricky to say the least, lots of people feel very passionatly one way or the other with regards to MMR injections but I'm still interested to see what anyone else thinks.

I will also add that there is no proven link between having the MMR and my dd's allergies.

Davros · 09/12/2003 18:35

MMR does not contain thimerosil (Mercury preservative).
Some DTP & HIB, possibly men C DO contain thimerosil.
Some parents believe that "something" causes an immune system problem and either or both of the above could be implicated. As could organophosphates, pollution etc. Similar theory is sometimes applied to peanut allergy, asthma, Gulf War syndrome, ME.
Others know a lot more so hope for more posts.-

Angeliz · 09/12/2003 18:41

You can look on the N.H.S Direct website to see which Vaccines contain thimerisol. Also my dd has had single Measles and Rubella and is a year late for her mumps as they can't get supplies! I'm not saying i don't worry but FOR ME i've done the right thing and i'm not overly concerned at her having to wait for the mumps one! It is so tuff though isn't it? I was ignorant of most of it before i had my dd and when i have a second, i think it will be so hard to decide even the first jabs since reading up! Anyway, take care Stressyhead and i shall be following this thread to read replies

Slink · 09/12/2003 19:51

My dd had the MMR and the Hib Booster, She is 2.7yrs and at nursery(as they claim thats if your going to catch something you will) she has not had measels or mumps chicken pockes, I know what you mean i thought well i had it DH did and info that i read was not not statisitc proof so i went ahead. I made the right choice for me. Only thing DD has is selective hearing but then most kids do.

Another of my friends had the single shabs and her daughter is fine to personnel choice. But will keep reading Good luck with your choice

Jimjams · 09/12/2003 20:35

Agree with everything Davros has said. There us no thimerosil in MMR. one of the main pieces of evidence for a link between MMR and autism is that MMR dmamaged chilren seem to have vaccine strain measles in their guts and spinal fluid. However this is not proof of a link. There are various theories as to why giving MMR may be a problem rather than giving singly. Nothing very concrete though. Having chickenpox around the time of having MMR doesn't seem to do anyone any favours.

Mumps itself is not usually serious before the age of puberty (and then its not usually serious.) The main complication of mumps in children and this is rare still is meningitis- but this is aspetic (viral) meningitis- not the scary hideous meningococcal, or hib meningitis. Think its unpleasant but full recovery is normal (with no treatment).

Bascially all you have to decide it a)which diseases you want to immunise against and b) how scared you are of the MMR. Having a host of autoimmune conditions in your family may put you at higher risk.

The threads will always be cconfusing as there is no right or wrong answer. There are no definites in which ever course you choose to take. You just have to decide which one you can best live with.

Original poster
StressyHead · 09/12/2003 21:49

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Dinny · 09/12/2003 22:00

Hi, StressyHead
I felt as confused as you re MMR. After much deliberation dd had single measles jab (at Breakspear Clinic) and I will have mumps done maybe next Sept if available (a year's gap) - then rubella a year after that (probably). I read the Vaccination Bible (found it in my library) and I bought another book by a German doctor from Amazon - Jimjams, please can you provide the name - I've forgotten and have lent my copy to a friend.
There is no "right" answer to this, you can only do what you feel is best at the time.
All the best, Dinny x

popsycal · 09/12/2003 22:08

I am still having this dilmemma...another MMR appt through the post today reminded me!
Is there any link/research between single mealses vaccines and complications (jimjams mentioned autism and vaccine type measles in the gut).
Also, anyone in the north got recommendations for single vaccines companies, and what does it mean if they are 'unlicencsed'?
have looked at JABs and DirectHealth 2000 sites..
hope you can help

twiglett · 09/12/2003 22:13

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Angeliz · 09/12/2003 22:15

Popsycal, we used Direct Health 2000 and we had to travel to Darlington! Hope this helps

lalaa · 09/12/2003 22:22

Nothing to add on this - just to say I'm sooo pleased that stressyhead started this thread. I can't wait for someone to point us in the direction of where to find information in plain english. my dd has been referred to paed as she has an egg allergy and is due MMR. appointment is on thurs and want to go fully informed but it's just impossible to get straight forward answers. the government's response to just keep shouting that it is safe isn't helping anyone. I just want the info without having to read complicated articles in the BMJ or similar so I can make a decision. Aghhhhhh! Frustrated!!

popsycal · 09/12/2003 22:32

thanks angeliz...realised darligton was clsest...might have to encorporate it into a visit to in-laws for a weekend.
Did you find them ok?
how old is your dd/ds now?

popsycal · 09/12/2003 22:33

can anyone point me in the direction of *any( reserach on the single measles jab?!

Angeliz · 09/12/2003 22:36

my dd is 2.8 and yes it was really easy to find, they were also really good and informative and we were impressed with their service!

popsycal · 09/12/2003 22:41

thanks angeliz...i will just go for it then
99% sure already that it is the 'right; thig for us....just need to get my arse in gear

Original poster
StressyHead · 10/12/2003 09:23

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Jimjams · 10/12/2003 09:39

There isn't any info in plain English. There can't be as no-one knows. The research hasn't been done. The only way to make a truly "informed" decision is wade through loads of original research articles (actually there aren't that many- and most are just epidemiological studies). Alternatively go with your gut feeling. That's what most people do in the end.

The best book I've come across on vaccines in general is The Vaccine Guide by Randall Neustaedter. He takes you very clearly through the risk/benefit analysis.

I think there have been a few reported cases of autism type reacitons following the single measles jab- but no-where near the numbers reported following the MMR. There has certainly been the brain damage type reactions- numbers small obvioulsy.

As far I understand it the vaccines are unlicences because the drugs companies haven't requested a licence. The single jabs given in the UK are the same strains as end up in the MMR.

Jimjams · 10/12/2003 09:41

Don't know if he's still there but there used to be a Dr Seyedi in Egham - a private GP who gave single jabs. He was more expensive than Eltham. He's lovely.

Original poster
StressyHead · 10/12/2003 09:52

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twiglett · 10/12/2003 12:43

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twiglett · 10/12/2003 12:46

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bundle · 10/12/2003 12:58

dd1 has had MMR, which we were happy with. dd2 has had thimerosil-free "triples" (one of which is a part-cell vaccine, not whole cell so not quite as effective), because I felt that as breastfeeding mums/pregnant women, those ttc were advised to reduce their levels of potential mercury intake via eg tuna then I should follow suit with dd2, and opt for mercury-free.
I agree it's a very personal decision which you need to make up your own mind on, once you've read as much as you can.

popsycal · 10/12/2003 17:11

jimjams - thanks for the answer re licnce thing of single jabs!! That really helps!! That was my final stumbling block,,
off to book my single jabs now!

hmb · 10/12/2003 17:29

Re licence. A doctor can prescribe any drug or treatment he or she sees fit to treat a condition, even if it doesn't have a licence. But the responsibility for the safety will lie with the doctor and not the manufacturer of the drug.

sharon44 · 10/12/2003 18:24

Our little boy is adopted and came to us at the age of 5 months. I didn't feel comfortable with giving him the MMR partly because I didn't know his birth family's entire history. Some of his siblings (he has 5) are known to have behavioural difficulties and I just don't know anything about his elder siblings. Also, I just don't think that doctors etc know everything and if there is even a 1 in a million chance that it would affect my child, it's a risk I wasn't prepared to take. A friend of ours recommended Desumo - she'd had her little boy vaccinated with MMR and he was fine, but her little girl was always a sickly child and for that reason she felt that single vaccines were most appropriate for her. My son is 2.7 and has had his measles and rubella but we're waiting for the mumps - apparently they can't get hold of it. The staff at the clinic did say that some parents decided against the first mumps vaccine and waited until it was time for the booster as mumps usually wasn't that serious when children were young. They provide you with pack of information before you vaccinate your child - Desumo.co.uk.