Confused about MMR vaccine

EskarinaWeatherwax · 2024-12-14T20:46:56+00:00

I've posted before about having an equivocal rubella result and GP said I had to have an MMR jab despite having two when younger. When I went to have the jab, the nurse told me I'd need a second jab 4 weeks later (which is this coming week). However, I'm just wondering why I'm getting a 4th when everything I read says 3 max. Anyone been in a similar situation? Obviously I will query with the nurse this week but just wondered if anyone has been in the same boat? If I have to have this jab, it will be my 4th!

Oneearringlost · 14/12/2024 21:02

Because your initial rubella result was equivocol, they are starting from the standpoint of 'no previous vaccination'.
So 2 MMRs 4 weeks apart is absolutely correct.
You can have a 100 MMRs, it's v safe, less so, is being suboptimally protected.
Some immuno-compromised people have to have repeated courses over periods of chemotherapy, for example.
Don't worry! ( Practice Nurse)

Original poster

EskarinaWeatherwax · 14/12/2024 23:04

Thank you @Oneearringlost. Is it likely to actually work this time?

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Ella31 · 14/12/2024 23:42

Hi OP, I'm one of the strange cases with the MMR too. I had this vaccine as a child and when I was pregnant recently, they did the blood test and it turns out I have no rubella immunity despite having had the vaccines. So they said if it didn't work the first time , it would unlikely to work now. So I have to take extra caution now as I'm pregnant again. Rubella is really serious for the baby if caught while pregnant

nocoolnamesleft · 14/12/2024 23:44

It isn't guaranteed to work, but the double jab is more likely to protect than one. And it is well worth being protected.

Ella31 · 14/12/2024 23:45

Oneearringlost · 14/12/2024 21:02

Because your initial rubella result was equivocol, they are starting from the standpoint of 'no previous vaccination'.
So 2 MMRs 4 weeks apart is absolutely correct.
You can have a 100 MMRs, it's v safe, less so, is being suboptimally protected.
Some immuno-compromised people have to have repeated courses over periods of chemotherapy, for example.
Don't worry! ( Practice Nurse)

This is really interesting as I had mine as a child, didn't build up immunity. They only realised this when I was tested when pregnant but now I'm pregnant again and they just said getting the vaccine after the pregnancy would likely not build up any immunity if it didn't when I was younger. Do you think I should still look for it after the baby comes?

Oneearringlost · 15/12/2024 06:22

EskarinaWeatherwax · 14/12/2024 23:04

Thank you @Oneearringlost. Is it likely to actually work this time?

It's not a surety, I'm afraid, but it may work. It tends to be less effective as we grow, but ( as evidenced by the move to re-immunise immuno-compromised people), there is evidence that it builds SOME more immunity, so well worth having, some people do produce adequate antibodies with some not so, they should repeat your antibody status a few months after your second dose. X

Oneearringlost · 15/12/2024 06:30

Ella31 · 14/12/2024 23:45

This is really interesting as I had mine as a child, didn't build up immunity. They only realised this when I was tested when pregnant but now I'm pregnant again and they just said getting the vaccine after the pregnancy would likely not build up any immunity if it didn't when I was younger. Do you think I should still look for it after the baby comes?

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Yes, I do, for the reasons I mentioned above, you may find yourself just about optimally covered by a second course.
If it were me, or my DDs, I would urge them to seek out a second course. There is no harm but potentially a big benefit, looking, as we are at a Measles surge. Congratulations on your pregnancy. X

Ella31 · 15/12/2024 10:12

Oneearringlost · 15/12/2024 06:30

Yes, I do, for the reasons I mentioned above, you may find yourself just about optimally covered by a second course.
If it were me, or my DDs, I would urge them to seek out a second course. There is no harm but potentially a big benefit, looking, as we are at a Measles surge. Congratulations on your pregnancy. X

Show quote history

Thanks for this. I definitely will. Its just rubella I have no immunity to, but as you know it's so serious. I'll do this after baby arrives.

Original poster

EskarinaWeatherwax · 17/12/2024 22:09

Sorry, I didn't realise there were replies on here. I'm absolutely going to go for the 2nd dose, even if it doesn't help at least I'll know I've tried. Although I have realised this will actually be my 5th dose as I'd forgotten about an extra one I received as an adult.

Good luck to anybody in a similar boat. Let's hope it works for us.

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