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 MEASLES, MUMPS & RUBELLA VACCINES (MMR) There is continuing debate over whether it is better to give the above vaccinations as a single or triple injection. It is difficult enough for the average GP to sift through the available evidence, let alone someone with relatively little medical knowledge. There remain ‘experts’ who maintain that single vaccinations are safer. It is important to note the following facts: Official government policy is that the triple vaccine is safe and effective. The use of single vaccines is unlicensed (see definition enclosed). In relation to the above facts, no specific recommendation is made by our clinic as to the best course of action. It is however, considerably safer for your child to be vaccinated rather than not at all. If you feel strongly that parents should have a choice in this matter then the position of our clinic is clear. We are only prepared to vaccinate a child with a series of individual vaccinations if the parent/guardian is willing to certify that the child would otherwise not be vaccinated at all. The parent/guardian must also certify that they understand that this is an unlicensed means of administering single vaccines. Should you choose to have your child vaccinated by our clinic then you must complete and sign a consent form to this effect before any treatments can be administered. You will also be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. We will discuss the questionnaire and consent form with you at the first appointment (there is no need to send us the consent form and questionnaire before this appointment, unless we request otherwise). Your child will have their first vaccination at this appointment. The single vaccines are administered at intervals of not less than one month; at times the gap between the vaccinations will be determined by the availability of the vaccines. Please telephone the clinic when you are ready for your child to have the second vaccination so we can arrange an appointment for you. The current costs for the vaccinations are listed below: Rubella £120 Measles £120 Mumps £165 Fees are payable on the day of the vaccination by cash or cheque only please. We do not have credit or debit card facilities. Please bring your child’s Personal Health Record (red book) with you at each appointment so we can record details of the vaccinations. We have included a list of frequently asked questions, which we hope you will find helpful. Should you have any further questions or wish to book an appointment, then please telephone us on 01444 417435. This is a 24 hour Answerphone Service; we will return your call as soon as possible. Yours sincerely
Dr Nick Arundale MB Bch DRCOG DGM MRCGP The MMR Single Vaccination Clinic
Telephone: 01444 417435 (24 hour Answerphone Service) www.mmrclinic.co.uk Consulting Rooms: Bumbles, Fox Hill, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4QY Consultants: Medical - Dr Nick Arundale, MB Bch DRCOG DGM MRCGP Legal - Jan Henry, LLB (Hons)
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What can you tell us about the Clinic?The Clinic was opened by Dr Mandy Claiden and Jan Henry LLB (Hons) in May 2003. The medical position has now been taken over by Dr Nick Arundale, a well known and respected GP who is currently a Partner at a large local practice. Jan Henry is a law graduate with twenty years NHS experience, ranging from nursing to management. She is currently the Practice Manager at The Brow Medical Centre in Burgess Hill. The clinic is located in Haywards Heath. It has a fun and informal atmosphere, yet patients know that they will be treated professionally, honestly and safely. Dr Arundale and Jan Henry are both members of a medical defence union; they also have adequate Public Liability Insurance (a certificate is available for inspection at the clinic). Back to FAQsWhen is the Clinic open?Clinics are held on Wednesdays, between the hours of 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Back to FAQsWhat age does my child have to be to have the first vaccination?At least thirteen months old. There is no upper age limit. Back to FAQsWhat order are the vaccines given in?We usually offer the vaccines in the order measles, rubella, and then mumps but can vaccinate your child in any order you choose. Back to FAQsDo the single vaccines contain mercury?None of the single vaccines used at the clinic contain mercury. Back to FAQsMust my child have all three of the single vaccinations?No, your child can have any combination of the vaccines. However it is recommended that your child is vaccinated against all three of the diseases and that the rubella and mumps vaccines are not omitted under the impression that they are not serious illnesses for boys and girls, respectively. Back to FAQsMy child has started a course of single vaccinations elsewhere. Can they complete the course at the clinic?Yes. Back to FAQsCan my child have the single vaccinations if they are due to have another vaccination around the same time?Your child can be immunised at any interval before or after the single vaccinations, as long as the other vaccination is not a live viral vaccine. Back to FAQsCan my child be vaccinated if they are ill?Children can be vaccinated even when they have a cold and whilst taking most medicines, including antibiotics. However, they should not be vaccinated if they have a high temperature/fever or acute illness. Dr Arundale is happy to give advice if you are at all unsure. Back to FAQsHow long is the gap between each of the vaccinations?The measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are live viral vaccines. Live vaccines can be given simultaneously. However, if live vaccines are not administered at the same time then they should be separated by an interval of at least four weeks between each injection. This is a minimum interval; you can leave a longer gap between the vaccinations if you wish. Back to FAQsWhere will my child be injected?Your child will be injected in the upper arm. Back to FAQsDoes the clinic offer ‘immunity’ blood tests?We are unable to offer the blood test to check antibody levels. You can ask your GP, who may be able to arrange the test for you, though it is likely you will have to attend a larger private clinic. Back to FAQsCan my child have the single vaccinations if they have a known allergy or are prone to allergic reactions?Please let us know if your child has an allergy to eggs. Dr Arundale is happy to give advice in relation to any other allergies. Back to FAQsWill my child need a second course (boosters) of the single vaccinations?After the first course of vaccines a patient will usually be about 90% immune to the disease. A booster is recommended either as single vaccines or MMR. Dr Arundale will be happy to discuss this with you. Back to FAQsWho imports the vaccines and how are they transported?The vaccines are procured by personnel authorised to import unlicensed medicinal products into the UK. Their licence to import is granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, a division of the Department of Health. The cold storage chain is maintained throughout the transportation of the vaccines. Back to FAQsWhere are the single vaccines manufactured?They are made either in Europe or the USA by large multinational pharmaceutical companies. Back to FAQsHow are the vaccines stored?Vaccines kept on the clinic premises are stored in a medical refrigerator in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions and National Pharmaceutical Association Standards. Back to FAQsMy child had the combined MMR and it is now time for their booster. Can they have the single vaccinations?Yes, having the MMR does not stop your child from having the single vaccines the second time around. Back to FAQsWhat are the possible side effects/risks of the vaccinations?All vaccines have possible side effects. When vaccination takes place the body is tricked into thinking an infection has occurred. It then mounts an immune response to fight the infection. If the body has ever come across this particular virus before, it ‘remembers’ it, and starts making antibodies to fight the virus within 24 hours. This battle is often associated with a fever. If this is a new viral contact, the body may take from 10 to 14 days to produce these antibodies and fever can occur at this point in time. Therefore following a vaccination, fever can occur anytime between 24 hours and 14 days. This fever can easily and effectively be treated with paracetamol (Calpol) or ibuprofen in the usual way. It is common to get some swelling and redness appearing at the injection site, which may get worse for up to 48 hours. Thereafter it should slowly subside. Other possible side effects are general aches, rashes, runny nose or swollen glands. Again, these symptoms can occur anytime between 24 hours and 14 days after the injection. We will give you a data sheet about the vaccine your child has had. This will tell you exactly where the vaccine comes from and what side effects you may expect. If a child seems unusually unwell, stops drinking or is drowsy, medical advice should be sought immediately. If you have any concerns that your child is unwell because of the vaccine please ring 07906 161786. Dr Arundale will ring you back as soon as possible. Back to FAQsIs there any risk of infection to others from the vaccines?
Back to FAQsPatient Confidentiality:
Back to FAQs‘Unlicensed’ explained:
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