Ds with epilepsy and the MMR

[crazylazydaisy]

Have ds1 (3.4)who is fine and ds2 (2.4)also fine even though he has epilepsy. Neither has had MMR, when ds1 was due his I decided to wait till he was about 3 to get it done. Doc and i talked it through and he knew my work background made me come to this decision.He didnt disagree with me which was a relief.
Since then I have chickened out getting it done and now ds2 has epilepsy I am wondering whether he should EVER have it. Have researched it and not found anything to suggest people with epilepsy react to it more than others but still scared about it.
So if there is anyone with any experience or can help with this that would be great.

When I was researching this for ds, I seem to remember it had been contra-indicated for anyone with a family history of epilepsy (first degree relatives) in the past, but that they had just changed the advice to say it was fine. Which wasn't exactly reassuring (I have epilepsy). Decided to get ds singles for that among other reasons. This was about 2.5 years ago.

My decision wasn't evidence-based as I have no reason to think that singles are any safer. But there is a lack of evidence around the safety of MMR (safety studies not particularly good, more should be done according to expert reviewers at Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin and, IIRC, the Cochrane Collaboration. Both of which are trusted, impartial and expert sources. Both DTB and CC said as far as the evidence goes, MMR is safe, but the safety studies aren't good enough, IYSWIM.

I'm not sure that is particularly helpful, sorry!

Thanks edam. I wondered about the singles too but then read on here they dont always mean the children are covered. Do they cost much to have seperate jabs? Or is it free if done for medical reasons?

You could ask your GP, but AFAIK you'll have to pay privately. I think because they've (IIRC) changed the advice about epilepsy, you wouldn't count as having medical reasons anyway.

Ds's singles cost something like £120 for the course.