As discussions about breaking the MMR vaccine into separate doses revive, experts dismiss safety fears, highlighting the practical and scientific challenges of such a switch.
Public discussion over whether the MMR vaccine should be broken into separate measles, mumps and rubella injections has revived claims that the combined shot is dangerous, but vaccine experts say there is no evidence for that. The New York Times reported that researchers have not linked the combination vaccine to a risk of death and that splitting it into three doses has not been shown to be safer or more effective.
The CDC says the MMR vaccine has been used in the United States since 1971 and was adopted only after careful comparison with individual shots. It adds that hundreds of millions of children have received the combined vaccine, with no scientific evidence tying it to death or other serious adverse effects.
There is also a practical barrier to any switch. According to the CDC, separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella have not been available in the United States for years, and manufacturers say it would take at least 5 to 10 years to test and bring individual products to market. That means any move to three shots would not only rest on disputed safety claims but would also require a lengthy development process before it could be put into use.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
