DOCTORS in Buxton have expressed concern over a recent increase in the cases of mumps and are now offering a programme of catch-up immunisations.
The current schedule involves two doses of MMR, the first at 13 months then a second at pre-school, 3-5years.
However as Dr Jeff Haddon, of Buxton Medical Practice, explained: "Older children may have missed this as it was thought only one vaccination was needed years ago but with the decrease in population uptake and the weakness of the mumps vaccine in the MMR it means the second MMR is still needed."
The age range of those affected recently by mumps has included young teenagers.
If a letter arrives inviting you to the catch up with MMR programme, it isn't because you missed one when you were younger but that doctors want you to have two in your lifetime to try to get better immunity.
* Information on mumps can also be found at
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Mumps