Immunizations - Denver, CO

Hi B.,
Although my response won't provide you with any answers, I thought my experiences might give you some perspective on trying to find the MMR vaccination as three separate shots.
My oldest son (now five years old) had his first MMR shot when he was 18 months. At the same visit he also had a flu shot and a chicken pox vaccination. Exactly 10 days later, he had (what I considered) an adverse reaction that I do not want to repeat when I get him a booster this summer. He had a fever, was very lethargic and broke out in a rash over his entire body. The symptoms lasted for at least 5-7 days. Since that that I have been researching the MMR shot (and vaccines, in general) I am a strong proponent of administering the MMR doses separately. Although many books say doctor offices will order the shots separately if requested, my doctor's office will not order them separately for me. They say it is not cost effective and will not allow me to pay for the extra expense saying it is an administrative nightmare to order the shots separately for only one patient. Since my doctor will not accomodate me, I have looked and looked and made phone call after phone call to various people/organizations (Health Department, Vaccine Coalitions, etc.), even alternate doctor's offices, but I have yet to find anyone that will order the shots separately for me. At this point, I have not given my son his 5 year MMR booster. I am considering asking the doctor to, instead, do a blood draw and measure his "titers" (immunity) to the diseases. If his immunity levels come out okay, the need for the booster shot will be eliminated. Also, I used an alternate vaccination schedule for my second child. It was similar to the one in Dr. Sears Vaccination Book, except I used the book. I only did one shot at a time and delayed the MMR vaccination until he was 2 years old. My doctor's office did not have a problem with the alternate schedule. He is now 3 and we are working on trying to finish all vaccinations before he starts preschool in the fall. It was more expensive to adminster the vaccinations this way as I had to pay a copay each time I went to the doctors office to get a shot.
Hope this helps a bit and I hope your search for the separate shots turns out better than mine. Let me know if you find a doctor's office in the area that is willing to accomodate the three separate shots - I'd love to give them a call, too:)
Good Luck!
L.

Hi there...I did not have my daughter receive the MMR shot at her 15 month appointment, and her pediatrician was fine with it! I explained my concerns (my daughter has had some developmental delays) and the Dr. said that as long as she receives all of her immunization by the time she starts kindergarten, there is no problem. I have not heard about the three dose MMR shot...I will have to look into that!

B.,

I am also looking for separate shots, in my research I have not yet found an office that will do the individual shots. I am trying to find an office that will ordered them in if there is enough interest. I think you may need to find 5-10 other families, and all prepay to get the order.

Currently, we are waiting to see if we can get a large enough group. If not I will just be delaying the shot. Our doctor respects our decision. I would suggest Dr. shopping if your Dr. is not supportive. We have found that a family practice is best for our family. The best part is that there is a Ped. in the practice and is called in when needed. We took our time finding the "right" doctor, because I really wanted to have a holistic approach to our family's medical needs.

J.

Hi B.,

This is second-hand advice, so I apologize if it is no longer accurate, but my friend was looking for the same thing and couldn't find any pediatricians who offered it. Basically, they (dr.'s) choose which vaccines they will provide each year and buy in bulk, it is too expensive for them to order each different brand their patients ask for. Anyway, the point is that she was able to get her separate vaccines through the Department of Public Health. If you qualify, you may be able to get them for free or reduced cost.

HI B.,

It sounds like you might be concerned about vaccine safety. My Chiropractor gave me book called "Vaccines Are They REally Safe and Effective?" by Neil Z. Miller

He also sent me a link to some websites.
www.vaclib.org/index.htm
www.thinktwice.com

The information is kind of overwhelming because there is a lot of it. The book has really opened my eyes. I really didn't feel like I was informed at all when my children were born. We have not had any huge reactions to any vaccines thankfully but I am seriouly considering not continuing with thier vaccination schedule. I hope this information helps you find what you are looking for.

Your pediatrician should have access to the three separate MMR shots. I am sure you will pay much more to have your children vaccinated this way, but definitely ask if you are interested in this approach.

Check out the vaccine book by Dr. Sears. It gives you a delayed schedule approved by a doctor with years of pediatric experience.