If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Everyone get paper and pencil:

Merck's phone number is 1-800-672-6372.

I called and they said due to US recommendations that have made the decision to "prioritize" the manufacture of the combo MMR over the monovalent vaccines (all three of them). Therefore, they are not currently producing, or accepting orders for the monovalent vaccines. Nor are they filling any backorders.
I was told that October 2008 was the last time the mumps only vaccine was shipped to any ped in the United States.

However, I was also told that this is NOT a final decision on Merck's part and that they ARE accepting feedback from the public with regard to this decision.

So ladies, pick up your phone and start calling Merck and asking them to continue to manufacture monovalent vaccines. Don't forget to point out that your child (if true) has started to get the vaccines one by one, and NOW you are being forced to over-vaccinate because of their decision to halt manufacturing.

Message edited 3/25/2009 9:34:50 PM.

Re: Spin-off to Sophie's MMR Split Post

Thanks! I am assuming "US recommendations" means INSURANCES.

I will call to make sure parents have a choice. Insurances should not be in charge. PEDs should accept that splitting is "better" than no MMR if they truly believe in vaccinations.

Re: Spin-off to Sophie's MMR Split Post

Posted by smdl

Thanks! I am assuming "US recommendations" means INSURANCES.

Re: Spin-off to Sophie's MMR Split Post

Thanks D....

I think you just saved me an email....

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is the hand that may be swaying this....

Perhaps a few phone calls and emails to them should be in order as well...

Here is their information:

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who have been selected by the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the control of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Committee develops written recommendations for the routine administration of vaccines to children and adults in the civilian population; recommendations include age for vaccine administration number of doses and dosing interval, and precautions and contraindications. The ACIP is the only entity in the federal government that makes such recommendations.

The overall goals of the ACIP are to provide advice that will lead to a reduction in the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the United States, and an increase in the safe use of vaccines and related biological products.

For information on vaccines and immunization, contact:
800-CDC-INFO English & Spanish
800-232-4636 English & Spanish
Email: [email protected]
TTY: 888-232-6348

For information regarding the ACIP, contact:
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Mailstop E-05
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA
Phone: 404-639-8836
Fax: 404-639-8905
Email: [email protected]

Re: Spin-off to Sophie's MMR Split Post

Oh and I thought I'd mention that according to the FDA (a phone call or email to them might not hurt)...

According to Merck’s web page, MERUVAX® II (Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) is no longer available for order. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the use of combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (M-M-R® II - Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) for appropriate individuals to help protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Things that make you go Hmmmmmmmmm.

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Bump

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Bump again for this important issue.

Moms that have already split and received all three, please call as well and encourage Merck to continue to manufacture the monvalent vaccines.

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

bump for twicethefun

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Bump so new mommies can see this!!

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

bump again

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Bump for sultana

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

I don't know if anoyne has posted this yet but according to Dr. Sears website they will be doing this but won't pick up again until 2011.....

Return of Separate Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccines Planned for 2011
Friday, May 15, 2009

I received official word from a Merck representative that the company plans to resume production of the separate M-M-R component vaccines. They anticipate these becoming available in 2011 (no actual month specified). This is good news for those parents who want the vaccines separated, but the two year wait will leave some kids unprotected. In my MMR blog from January (http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/archives/2009_01_01_archive.asp) I discuss all the ins and outs of deciding whether or not to do the full MMR. Delaying it definitely puts children at risk of catching these diseases. Parents have to weigh all the information and decide what to do. The good news is that it looks like the separate shots will be back. I will certainly let you know as soon as they become available in 2011.

Dr. Bob

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Message edited 5/21/2009 9:43:33 PM.

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO

Thanks Dancinbarefoot :)
I am dissapointed in this outcome! I am wondering what to do now. I am currently 8 months pregnant and have a daughter that will be 2 next month. i dont feel comfortable giving it to her while I am pregant as she is not potty trained and they are live virus's. yet we will be heading back to Dubai at the end of the Summer and I worry about all the various illnesses out there
I would have felt so much more comfortable seperating these

Re: If you want to split the MMR Shot - come on in VERY IMPORTANT INFO