test to check if mmr has worked

[ariane5]

Is there a blood test to check if first mmr has worked?

If so is it something a gp would do or the hospital? I would like to see if just the first dose has given dcs enough protection already.

[ilovepowerhoop]

if you are going to put a needle in them to test then you may be as well giving the mmr anyway.

[ariane5]

It is not the needle I am worried about.

Just don't want dcs having a vaccination if they already have immunity. I had heard that in most cases the 1st dose is sufficient to protect them?

[Spockster]

But if so, 2nd will do no harm at all.. What is your concern about the vaccination if already immune?

[ariane5]

Dcs don't react well to vaccinations so makes sense to me that if they have immunity from 1st dose then I wouldn't have the 2nd dose.

[TaggieCampbellBlack]

There is a blood test. Don't know if GP would do it. I had it through work.

[ilovepowerhoop]

the second mmr caused no reaction at all in either of mine and is supposed to be less likely to cause side effects. I dont know if you will find anyone to do the test for you and if you do you would probably have to pay for it to be done.

[ilovepowerhoop]

p.s. the first dose leaves around 10% unprotected and the second dose helps cover that unprotected 10%.

[ariane5]

Would it not be quite a simple/easy test to do?-if I remember I'm sure with each of dcs they checked my rubella immunity in the ante natal clinic, I'm assuming there is the same sort of blood test for measles/mumps immunity too.

I know that having had the first dose mmr they are less likely to have a reaction but if they don't actually need it I don't see the point of injecting them with it.

Dd2 especially reacts badly to vaccinations and I just need to know if they are all protected already.

[beabea81]

You can get the test done privately, I know Babyjabs in London does it x

[ariane5]

Is it expensive?

Might be worth it esp for dd2 as any illness/vaccination really affects her (she has diabetes) and I don't want to vaccinate again if she doesn't need it.

[SunflowersSmile]

Let me know how you get on ariane.
My youngest has had first mmr and due 2nd [age 3] but my eldest [7] had single jabs. 2 doses of measles and rubella but one of mumps. So- wonder if only option is MMR giving 3 doses of measles and rubella to cover mumps.
[Grrr... retrospect is wonderful thing and wish just done mmr for both now].

[Andro]

SunflowersSmile - I believe there is a single mumps vaccine available again, so that might be an option.

ariane5 - I think friends of ours paid about £250 to have immunity testing done...but it was a while ago and done privately. If your dd2 reacts badly though (and has a history of doing so) you might be able to convince your GP that it's in her best interests medically - but there would be no guarantees that you would convince him/her. My DD reacted very badly so I understand your concern.

[SunflowersSmile]

Thanks Andro.
My 3 year old just had 2nd MMR and I was told only option for 7 year old was MMR re booster mumps. At moment looking at appointment for older child in 4 weeks when 3 year old has more jabs [ones that could have gone with 2nd MMR today].
7 year old says would prefer injection to blood test....

[Andro]

You might have to pay for it privately if it is available SunflowersSmile, the NHS has a pretty hard line against single vaccines though...MMR or nothing seems to be their attitude (according to their info site) and anything else is 'unlicensed'