A 2-year-old child has not yet received the MMR vaccine. The mother asks for the appropriate age for the first dose. Select the most appropriate age for immunisation.

A 2-year-old child has not yet received the MMR vaccine. The mother asks for the appropriate age for the first dose. Select the most appropriate age for immunisation.

• A. As soon as possible
• B. At 12 months
• C. At 18 months
• D. At 4 years

Answer: (A)

The key idea is catch-up vaccination: start protection as soon as the child is eligible. The first dose of MMR is recommended once a child is at least 12 months old. A 2-year-old who hasn’t received MMR should be immunised now rather than waiting for a future age, so vaccination at this visit provides protection without unnecessary delay. The second dose is given later to ensure longer-lasting immunity (commonly around 4–6 years, with at least a 4-week interval after the first dose). MMR is a live vaccine and is postponed only for specific contraindications, such as severe immunodeficiency or a severe allergy to a vaccine component; otherwise, giving it now is appropriate.

The key idea is catch-up vaccination: start protection as soon as the child is eligible. The first dose of MMR is recommended once a child is at least 12 months old. A 2-year-old who hasn’t received MMR should be immunised now rather than waiting for a future age, so vaccination at this visit provides protection without unnecessary delay. The second dose is given later to ensure longer-lasting immunity (commonly around 4–6 years, with at least a 4-week interval after the first dose). MMR is a live vaccine and is postponed only for specific contraindications, such as severe immunodeficiency or a severe allergy to a vaccine component; otherwise, giving it now is appropriate.