I feel I need a page on my website as the subject of booster vaccinations is coming up more and more often.
When I first developed this policy, I took advice from consultant immunologists and it remains my opinion, although I freely accept that this is not necessarily mainstream opinion, that booster vaccinations are not necessary when measles mumps and rubella are administered singly. The mainstream opinion to which I refer, incidently, is not necessarily the best informed.
The reasons for this opinion are as follows:
Historically, we gave single measles to infants prior to introduction of MMR and got as good as 95% cover.
Subsequently girls were given rubella age 12 - 13.
The only figures we have for mumps are from Japan, where they do boost, but primary cover is afforded in 95% of cases.
We do know that after ten years of administration of MMR it was realised that there was a successful uptake rate of only 75% - 80% for measles and mumps. Hence the decision to boost MMR at age 4.
There is, therefore, a significant improvement inefficacy of single vaccines over MMR and although there is no ablity to acquire 100% cover the singles regimen comes a lot closer than MMR. Coverage after the MMR has been boosted is probably equivalent.
There is further significant issue raised, the explanation for which can only be the subject of speculation. In the knowledge that coverage with primary MMR is so poor, why is a significant number of children left exposed for three years? Immunologically speaking it would appear logical that these boosters should carried out within six months. Is it possible that the Deptartment of Health realise that parents would not be willing to return with their children at this stage?
It is worth emphasising at this stage that the point that this issue is one of personal choice is extremely valid because I have to believe, contrary to an awful lot of evidence that does not actually support this, that we are still living in a free society.
I don't want to degenerate into a general rant but hope this explains my advice.