what age for MMR?

[angelbabe]

Hi, wondering whether to take my dd for MMR now, or wait a while, she's 12.5 months, I know the guidance is 12-15 months, but many people seem to wait longer than that.... what age were yours?

I waited until my DS was about 22months (the doctor did moan that was late though!)

I just felt that if he was a bit older, and therefore stronger, it might be better. Also up until that point, he didn't mix much with other children, but once he started at nursery, I though it important he should have it done.

Not sure if that helps you, but good luck with your choice!

I think 12.5 months is too young- the measles component is less likely to work the younger it is given especailly if you had measles yourself. Any antibodies you have (either from measles itself or the vax) will have passed to your dd- they last for around a year. If you give the MMR and there are measles antibodies still circulating then these will affect the efficiacy of the MMR. They used to give it at 15-18 months to avoid this- and I do not understand why they have changed to 12/13 months.

I had ds done at 17 months. Like Jimjams, I don't understand why they used to recommend from 15-18 months and now they say 12-15 months. I think if the baby is that bit older they're stronger and better able to take the medication. Ds had no reaction at all, (but he was big for his age too.)

I waited till ds was 3! I wasn't going to get him done at all, but gave in. And dd is 2, but hasn't been called yet... I will take her soon.

Where we are they normally call between 15-18mths. I would never go at 12mths.

My dd had first mmr at 15months and has had the booster (when she was 3ish). Ds had first mmr when just after 12months and booster before 3 (but can't remember when!).

Both mine had mild reactions to all jabs so I expected a mild reaction and got one.

Had long chat to doctor - take up is so low here that he said both kids could have the mmr jabs whenever they wanted. Apparently, it makes no difference when they have it as long as they are older than one. They don't like giving mmr when they are ill (anything more than a cold) so the only advice I would give is that you wait until dd is fully healthy.

If you are pro-jabs and had your baby vaccinated with all the other lot (DTP + polio) then I would go along with what your doc says and have her done between 12-15 months. If you have a child with immune problems or aren't keen on jabs, then you have to do whatever you think is in the best interest of your child. Personally, I am OK with jabs and my kids don't suffer with any other illness or immune problem, so I had them done when recommended and we have had no problems.

I agree with the logic Jimjams/skerries & teriS are saying. Mine had MMR at 16 & 17 months.

We waited until DD was 17 months old, after reading MMR threads on MN which recommended giving more time for her immune system to develop.

I waited till dd was 18 months, in September, as she did get a temperature after the DTP. I didn't want to risk waiting longer than that because viruses tend to get passed around more in the winter and dd is mixing with other children in toddler groups more now. If my dd had been at nursery I might have considered it sooner.

BTW in the States they do not officially count MMR given before 12 months as having been given as there is a high chance that active immunity will not develop. So if for example as the result of an outbreak you gave your child MMR at 10 months they would advise you to have another one at 15-18 months. This is particularly true of the measles component which is the part most people are most worried about. neudstadter has a whole section on it in his book the vaccine guide. They have fiddled with the age of administration in the US quite a bit- but basically if given before 12 months revaccination is required at 15 months. It seems more likely to work post 15 months.