After much soul searching and weighing the pros and cons, my husband and I made the decision to space out my son's vaccinations to 1 shot per visit (I just go in more frequently). My son's pediatrician has been very supportive of this decision, but she tells me that her practice does not offer the MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) shots separately- it is essentially three shots in one. This would normally be administered at his next well-check in September- it will be his 12 month visit. I absolutely DO NOT feel comfortable with this. My pediatrician said she had other patients who had ordered the vaccines as separate shots from a pharmacy in New Jersey and had them shipped directly to the doctor's office, where they would be administered separately and at different appointments. Has anyone any knowledge of where I can find and order these vaccines? Did you experience any hassle with your insurance company doing it this way? Does anyone know of a local pharmacy or doctor's office that would allow me to have the shots done separately? Thanks for your help!
Hi L.,
I dont know where to get shots separately but I commend you for spacing out vaccinations. We have chosen to delay all vaccinations until 2 years and then space out and I would like the MMR separate also. Good luck and well done
Try my pediatrician, Dr Gary Bean in Oakland. He's very cool and I believe when I asked about individual shots he said he could do it.
Glenview Pediatrics
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You do have plenty of time to to educate yourself and make choices. You have the right to refuse any medical treatment such as vaccines. Many people who do wish to have thier kids vaccinated wait till they are 2 years and up to do it, when thier immune systems are more developed. And then give the shots separately like you want to. I'm opting out for now.
Good Luck! Peace, J.
I did the same thing but had to pay for them, my insurance would not cover the cost. The three vaccines were about $125 but the cost was worth the benefits of not overdosing my daughters developing immune system. Error on the side of caution! I got the vaccines at a The Medicine Shoppe on 1st St. in Pleasanton. The number is ###-###-####.
Could you tell me the name of your doctor in NJ? I am trying to find a ped that will space out the vaccines
Try the Department of Public Health vaccine clinic. When I called, they said they would do it, but I haven't gone yet to see if this was actually true.
A few thoughts. For distributers, you can try the CDC website or the publick health dep't. I received a different vaccine seperatey at the San Mateo Public Health dept, b/c my doc's office couldn't offer the the Hep B seperately. My child did have a reaction at the 2 month visit of multiple IZ's of crying non-stop for hours at the top of her lungs.
Hi L.,
do not know if this will be useful, but my Son's pediatrician ordered the separate shots for me. I do not care what the professionals say, I so like the cocktail of vaccines. My son had the shots separately and my mind was at peace. Even if you have to pay for single shots it is worth it. Your own pediatrician should be able to help you, mine did. she is at UCSF and very helpful! Insurance paid their portion no problems. Good Luck!
Y.
If you don't feel comfortable with the vaccine, absolutely do not get it in Sept. There is plenty of time for it in the future either as one or as separate shots. Give yourself time to figure out how to get the separate shots, order them, etc. Spend all the time you need to on this important decision. Though dr's may want to give it at 12 mos that is just their protocol.
If your son is not around a bunch of other kids on a regular basis there's no need for the vaccine until he may be in that position (i.e. school), in my opinion. My daughter is homeschooled and has not yet received this vaccine though she is almost 5. Neither has she contracted measles, mumps, or rubella. My pediatrician in New Jersey where we were living advised me to never give this shot, for what that's worth.
Try Pediatric Alternatives in Mill Valley: http://pediatricalternatives.com/
They are very flexible and open about alternative ways to do vaccinations.
Hi, we go to Pediatric Alternatives in Mill Valley, where they do give the shots separately. They might be able to help you find out how to order the shots. Good luck!
