My four-year-old son is due to have his pre-school booster jabs in a couple of weeks and I'm feeling very nervous about it. Firstly, I don't like the idea of giving both of the jabs at the same time (diphtheria, tetanus, peruses, polio and then MMR2) - is it possible for me to request that these jabs are given a few months apart?

Also, my husband and I are still rather concerned about the safety of the MMR jab, and all the media stories about links to autism. It is such a difficult decision to make. My son had his first MMR with no side-effects, but I'm uncomfortable with putting him (and us) through it again when he is probably immune already.

Is there any kind of test which can be done to check if he is immune to measles, mumps and rubella? Then he might not need to have an unnecessary second dose. He is a very bright child and I really don't want to put him at risk of contracting the illnesses or of being at risk of autism.


A Thank you for your question. I can understand your concerns and you can request that there is a gap between the two immunisations. Where I work we give the two together at the same time and have found this to be the best way because the child does not have to think about having a second one and sometimes they find it hard to come back for the second. Our procedure involves two Health visitors and we have lots of treats for the child!

Some years ago there were reports that linked MMR to Autism but that link has been not been proved and recent studies have found no link. Since Autism is normally diagnosed at around two years, your child is unlikely to get it if he does not have it by now. There is a blood test to check for antibodies to MMR. If your child has antibodies he would not need a second MMR. A sample of blood is taken and sent to the laboratory to check for antibodies. It is expensive and may not be available on the NHS and it would be best to discuss this with your Doctor.

This year there was a rise in the number of young adults with mumps because they had not received the booster dose during the years of the MMR scare! If you are worried contact your Health Visitor and Doctor who will be happy to discuss your worries with you.

Have a look at the following web sites:

www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk
www.immunisation.nhs.uk
www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

Health Visitor
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