NHS Immunisation Information are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites.

Listings are made for information purposes and should not be taken as endorsement of any kind.

Researchers warning over monitoring of the safety of single measles and rubella vaccines

A study by researchers in the UK dispels the myth that single measles and rubella vaccines are safer than the MMR vaccine. The study demonstrated that there are an unexpectedly high number of cases of anaphylactic shock after single vaccines given at private clinics. The researchers estimated anaphylactic reactions to single measles vaccines to be 18.9 per 100,000 doses and 22.4 cases per 100,000 doses for single rubella vaccines; these are thought to be underestimates. The reactions are higher than the MMR vaccine, which has a rate of 1.4 per 100,000 doses. The calculations were hampered by the lack of immunisation reporting by the private sector whereas MMR vaccine given by GPs is reported to the PCT in the NHS.

Reference: Erlewyn-Lajeunesse M, Manek R, Lingam R et al. (2008) Anaphylaxis following single component measles and rubella immunisation. Arch Dis Child 93(11): 974-5

Related BBC News article by Emma Wilkinson, Health reporter: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7689901.stm