Clinic defies experts with 'pick and mix' vaccinations

A London doctor is defying official guidance on child immunisation by offering "pick and mix" injections.

Dr Richard Halvorsen is opening the first clinic in Britain to give parents a comprehensive choice of single baby vaccines - prompted by parental concerns about the impact of all-in-one inoculations such as MMR.

The Harley Street clinic, Babyjabs, opens on Monday and will offer a range of vaccinations including ones against polio for £75, measles at £95, mumps for £145 and rubella at £95

But experts say there is no need for concern over combined injections despite a scare linking the MMR vaccine to autism.

Dr Halvorsen claims there is evidence that too many vaccines too early in life can cause problems. He said: "It is extraordinary that doctors are being encouraged to offer patients choice in all aspects of their healthcare apart from vaccines. I believe that Babyjabs will help increase vaccine uptake.'

Under government guidelines, babies receive 25 vaccinations by the age of 15 months, the most complex immunisation schedule in the world.