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To take a shot, wait or not

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Just three or four years ago, parents unsure about MMR could opt to go private and pay for single doses of mumps, measles and rubella vaccines.

However, in 2001, the availability of single vaccines began to dwindle when two major suppliers stop importing them, claiming lack of demand caused by high use of the triple MMR vaccine.

When supplies ran out, some parents took the option of travelling abroad to seek single doses. But for most this option was not only impractical, but impossible, because of the cost, and the majority were left with no choice but to accept MMR.

Jonathon Chan (not his real name) found a more controversial solution. His two children, aged two and four, have never been vaccinated against MMR or any other diseases. It's a fact he prefers not to publicise because he fears people may discriminate against his family if they knew.

His actions would be considered dangerous or irresponsible by medical experts who fear boycotting vaccine will lead to epidemics of the diseases. In the worst case scenario, an epidemic could result in serious complications and even death.

However, Chan dismisses this argument, saying that his family stays healthy with a combination of good diet and lifestyle and natural therapy.

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