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July 8, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Anger Over Shortage of Rubella Vaccine"

Press Association (UK) (www.pressassociation.press.net) (07/07/02); Hazlewood, Phil

In the United Kingdom, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced plans to halt production of the single rubella vaccine.  Concerns about the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have led some parents to opt for the individual vaccines, and a support group for children who have been injured by vaccines, Justice Awareness and Basic Support, claims that families could be forced to use the MMR vaccine as supplies of the single rubella shot are depleted.  GSK noted that the decision to discontinue production of the single vaccine was made at a global level earlier this year.  In a statement, the drug maker said, "Ninety countries worldwide are using the MMR vaccine and the scientific community believe[s] this is the right way to vaccinate."  Britain's Department of Health noted that single rubella vaccines will continue to be provided to women of child-bearing age, but they will not be given to children on the National Health Service.

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