MMR combo separated in Canada (cross posted in selective and delayed vaccinations)

[Morningcalm]

My husband and I have decided that we don't want our ds to have the mmr shot. My nephew got the mmr broken up into separate single shots in the UK. We inquired about getting the single shots done at our local community health centre and the nurse told us it wasn't possible to do this in Canada. Is she right? Has anyone been able to get the mmr shot done in separate single shots in Canada? We live on the Gulf Islands, BC and can travel to a doctor who would do this for us in the lower mainland or Vancouver Island if need be. Any advice or information would be most welcome in this matter.

[tooticky]

I haven't asked about the MMR, but I did ask about the DTaP and was told that, not only could the Tetanus part of it be separated out, but that it was only offered in combination with at least one other vaccine!

I checked with my doctor's office as well as with the public health nurse in North Vancouver and in Nelson (I figured those super crunchy people in the Interior would have bullied their public health nurse into offering something like this! ) (Oh - and I feel free to tease, since I'm from there!! )

This would lead me to believe that it is not possible to separate the components of the MMR, but it's probably worth a phone call or two.... if only to let your voice be heard that this is something you would like to see happen...

[NorthernPixie]

I inquired a few months ago in Ontario. I was told that it was not possible and never has been in Ontario. I called Merck (the previous maker of it in the US - as far as I know they are not yet producing split vaccines again), a doctor, a pharmacist, and a public health nurse. The health nurse was quite rude and wondered why on earth I would ever want such a thing. Anyway. I guess we're SOL. What a crappy position to put people in. Submit to the whole thing or don't vaccinate at all.

[tooticky]

I have actually considered seeing if I could just get the tetanus by itself in the US. Not sure what that would mean in terms of insurance if he had a reaction.

[sanguine_speed]

It is available in Ottawa. It must be purchased privately through public health.

[Morningcalm]

Thanks everyone for your replies to my post. I really appreciate it.

Sanguine_speed- Can I get the contact details from you for the public health centre in Ottawa. I'd like to contact a public nurse and find out if they know anyone out west who offers the same service.

Thanks again.

[sanguine_speed]

I don't have it handy but you can search online for "Ottawa Public Health"

[Morningcalm]

Thanks. I've found an email address and have sent them an email. So, we will see what they say. I'll pass on any useful information that I may find out to everyone.

[Morningcalm]

Originally Posted by sanguine_speed

It is available in Ottawa. It must be purchased privately through public health.

I contacted the immunization section of the Ottawa Public Health by email. They told me that single vaccines for MMR are not offered by them or anywhere else in Canada.

[abemom2]

When I tried getting the DTaP separate the CLSC made a big deal, and they went until the ministry of health in QC, and they said not possible.
Why? Because people will be coming in for more visits, and they don't have enough time (or people) to be able to do this, so it's easier to have it all in one. I told the nurse: They care about gov. not about the people.


In the US it's all possible.

Part of free healthcare, they don't want to be burdened too much.

[Dillpicklechip]

This issue is why I have decided not to vax my youngest at all. It's really crummy that it's all or nothing when it comes to vaccines in Canada.