Single-Dose Measles, Mumps Rubella Vaccines May Be Discontinued by Merck

Merck & Co. has been producing monovalent (independent, single-dose) measles and rubella vaccines and was scheduled to make an individual mumps vaccine available this spring.

Last December, Merck notified the CDC that it is no longer producing or taking orders for monovalent measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. The company has not announced whether or not it will make the single-dose versions available for sale again in the future. Since there is great concern by many parents and professionals in the autism community regarding the safety of the trivalent measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, there is much support for the availability of monovalent vaccines until there is adequate unbiased research to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of the trivalent MMR vaccine.

Merck & Co. is the only provider of monovalent versions of these vaccines. Parents, caregivers and providers are encouraged to contact a Merck representative at (800)672-6372 to voice their opinions on this important issue.