Sick and irritable toddler post MMR

[LauraHW]

Hi there

I'm not wishing up to open a whole can of worms on the MMR debate but my 22mo had his second MMR yesterday and today has been totally off his food and irritable. He threw up once and had a couple of runny poos. When I put him to bed he wouldn't be left and I had to stay with him till he fell asleep. V rare for him. Anyone else experience any side effects like this or just coincidence?

Many thanks!

[Saffron]

I think this is not a common side effect of the MMR, but if no fever probably nothing of concern.

Please telephone NHS direct 0845 4647 and speak to a nurse to make sure.

Our own experience was fairly typical in that my daughter had no discernible side effects from either immunisation. And I believe in general side effects, if present, are observed as being less after the 2nd dose of MMR.

Could it be a coincidence? Both rotavirus and noravirus are making a re-emergence this spring. I would really speak with a nurse/GP to make sure. xx

[newcomer]

It could well be something like a virus. EVERY time my son had a jab, he would get a cold or bug shortly thereafter. IMHO, I think their little immune systems become very 'busy' processing the vaccination and therefore they are more prone to picking up bugs. He may even have picked up something in the doctor surgery!

If so, it may help to give him some infant Minadex or similar (i.e., something with a little Vit A and C in it) and/or Sambucol to give his system a boost; as well as plenty of liquids and rest. I give my son highly diluted Ribena at times like this. I know it's got sugar in it (which is, in theory, not great for an upset stomach) but at least he's drinking something and sometimes I find the sugar perks him up just enough to eat a little something for lunch or dinner. He also sees it as a 'treat' so it helps to cheer him up a bit.

However, if I were you, I'd definitely go to see the doctor if he's no better by tomorrow just to set your mind to rest, as I don't remember vomiting, etc. being usual side effects of the MMR?