Pre-school booster jabs

[quail]

My mum is constantly going on at me because these haven't been done for my younger daughter. "WHY HASN'T SHE HAD HER JABS, QUAIL? WHAT IF SHE GETS MEASLES?" She's 4y2m. I phoned the surgery, who said they are done anywhere from 3 to 5 years and I have to wait for the letter. I just wondered how the decision making is done, the receptionist said she had no idea.

Thought it was when they were 3 and a 1/2. That's what it is in our county.
tell your mum to back off and that you've done all you can.

It's usually at 3.5yrs afaik. Ds didn't have his until 5y2m due to illness.

She will have had a measles vaccination in her baby jabs which won't have worn off yet, so no rush.

Funnily enough I asked about the booster at the GP's this morning. The receptionist told me to look in the red book and no they don't send letters, what do we think they are, public health specialists or something? But yes my son is overdue his booster jabs and I should really make an appointment for MMR, and DTAP (diptheria booster and various other boosters apparently)... cue much huffing and puffing by receptionist.

I'm not sure I understand the point of a system where the GP knows my son has not yet the jabs he needs but doesn't tell me unless I ask!

DS is 3.5 btw.

Tell your mum you think you should follow doctor's instructions, not hers. (tongue out emoticon).
I think you'll find local policy will vary. DS1 didn't get his done until after he started school.

Are you in the UK OP? If so, it is usually at 3.5 years unless there are health reasons which make it necessary to postpone (for example cancer treatment, etc.).

There have been quite a few measles outbreaks recently, so I would simply call your GP and make an appointment for the jab rather than asking to ensure that he stays fully protected.

Actually the booster is given because not all children will have developed immunity after the first vaccination, see here:

Common questions about preschool immunisations
Why does my child need to be immunised at this age?
Protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio can fade over time. Also, immunity to measles, mumps and rubella may not develop after a single dose of the MMR vaccine. The preschool immunisations ? often called preschool boosters ? will top up your child?s level of antibodies (the substances our bodies produce to fight off disease and infection) and help to keep them protected.
When you take your child for their preschool immunisations, you will have the chance to make sure their other immunisations are up to date.

Your mother may be worried because she may know how serious measles can be and she has possibly read about the increasing number of measles outbreaks in Europe (especially France and the UK).

During the Summer there was a very large outbreak in the Ukraine, so it is not just Europe.

My Drs are the opposite- here it is 3y 4 mo. I have already had 2 letters plus a phone call, requesting me to make an appt. I will have to wait till school holidays, but had to phone them to ask them to stop contacting me!

This is just one example of a current outbreak in the UK

olivo rather than waiting for the Holidays you may want to consider vaccination after/during school time to ensure full protection. Also, given that it takes a while before immunity is achieved (can't recall how long it takes with the MMR but it definitely is not instant, probably at least a few weeks).

I can't get out during school time, so it will have to wait. Only a month away though. And she won't be having the Mmr then anyway, just the others. Long story but MMR will follow later.

Thanks for all the replies. Am a bit torn now by the split between your mum is a nutter/ your mum is sensible. I didn't get offered the chance to make an appointment, definitely felt deterred, so I guess I'll leave it. And worry!

another measles outbreak ...

The receptionist wouldn't have any idea.

But, you can call them and ask him/her to make an appointment with nurse who will have an idea.
Or get the nurse to call you.
You can have a chat and maybe make an appointment if you want to then.
Your mum is not a nutter. Is she a bit of a fuss pot like mine was?

Pre- school boosters will be due. At our clinic in your situation if someone booked an appointment with us (am practice nurse) we would do them whether you have had letter yet or not. Was always told never to turn any well child away for imms that were due if brought by parent with consent. Letters are usually sent out from child health departments anyway, not the doctors surgery.