The single rubella vaccine is being discontinued by the country's only supplier, GlaxoSmithKline, it was reported today.
The single Ervevax vaccine is a crucial part of alternatives to the triple Measles, Mumps and Rubella jab.
The company also makes MMR, but says its decision to stop making the single vaccine wasn't influenced by the British government.
The decision is a blow to British parents who want their children to have single inoculations because of fears of MMR links to autism and bowel problems.
GlaxoSmithKline claims there is "no demand" for the single jab, despite increasing numbers of parents wanting the alternative.
A spokesman said: "We have supplied private clinics to a limited amount in the past but we won't be doing that now. Ninety countries worldwide use MMR. There are no countries that recommend single vaccines. So a decision has been taken that there really is no market for this vaccine.
"It is not necessarily that it is not economically worth our while. The scientific evidence worldwide is that MMR is the vaccine that should be used and so there is a demand for it and not rubella," he added.
The Sunday Telegraphreports the decision to stop making the rubella vaccine comes as GlaxoSmithKline is also investing heavily in MMRV, a four-in-one childhood inoculation combining measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
While the company still supplies single rubella vaccine to the National Health Service - and has enough in stock to fulfil the remaining two years of its contract - the Department of Health has barred the provision of separate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines on the NHS.
PA
