Mumps booster

[rattlesnake]

My DS had seperate MMR vacs, all except mumps booster, which we cannot get now. Is a booster really necessary?

The first vaccination gives protection for a few years.
During that period a second contact with the disease is necessary to make the immunity permanent.
The second contact can be either through a booster vaccination or a natural contact with the disease in the environment. The booster is the safer option because you can be sure.

DS1 had his MMR at 15 months and contracted measles 6 months later! We were told at the time only 95% of children develop sufficient immunity to protect them and that's why the booster is needed.

We managed to get a booster vacination of mumps before they were removed. If he didn't I would have had a second MMR. The infertility risk in older boys is significant.

DD had single measles and rubella in 2009 but never got the mumps vaccine. She's starting school next Sept (2012) and she needs to have a booster before then doesn't she? No idea what happens in that scenario.

"The infertility risk in older boys is significant."

Oh? Can I see links to evidence on this, please?

Am thinking of getting blood tested for immunity to mumps...before thinking about MMR booster. Can I get this via GP? does anyone know?

Mumps does not cause sterility. It may cause orchitis (swelling of one or both testicles) in adult males.

From the HPA website:

"Despite common belief there is no firm evidence that orchitis causes sterility. "

It's amazing the level of mythology that surrounds mumps.