MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine) : Use, Doses, Symptoms & Side-Effects

Divya Tripathi

, Health A2Z

The MMR vaccine is introduced in the US in 1971 and help to prevent the measles, the mumps, and rubella. It was a huge development in the battle to prevent dangerous diseases.

 

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There is a controversy related to this vaccine. According to a study in 1998, published in The Lancet linked the vaccine to serious health risks in children, including inflammatory bowel disease and autism.

 

But in 2010, the journal withdraws that study, citing unethical practices and incorrect information. Since then, many more research studies have seen for a connection between the MMR vaccine and these conditions and there is no connection found.

 

Use of MMR Vaccine:

 

MMR vaccine protects against three major diseases are measles, mumps, and rubella. All these three diseases can cause serious health complications. In rare cases, it can lead to death as well.

 

The MMR vaccine is given by inoculation in two doses:

 

  • First at age 12–15 months

 

  • Second at age 4–6 years

 

Children traveling outside India can get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. These children should still be recommended getting routine doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age.

 

During a mumps outbreak, children older than 1 year of age who are in at the contact with infected people should get one more dose of the vaccine, no matter how many doses they already had done. Your pediatric can help you to know if your child needs that.

 

Measles:

 

Measles can cause rash fever, cough, and red, watery eyes. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infection, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.

 

Symptoms of Measles:

 

  • Rash

 

 

  • Runny nose

 

 

  • White spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)

 

Mumps:

 

Mumps causes headache, fever, muscle aches, tiredness, swollen salivary glands and loss of appetite. Complications can include deafness, swelling of the testicles or ovaries, inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, and rarely death.

 

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Symptoms of Mumps:

 

  • Fever

 

 

  • Swollen salivary glands

 

  • Deafness

 

  • Muscle pains

 

  • Pain when chewing or swallowing

 

Rubella:

 

Rubella, lead to sore throat, fever, rash, headache, and itchy or red eyes. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, she could have a miscarriage or can give a baby birth with serious birth defects.

 

Symptoms of Rubella :

 

  • Rash

 

  • Mild to moderate fever

 

  • Inflamed and red eyes

 

  • Swollen lymph nodes

 

 

Side Effect of MMR Vaccine:

 

Like much medical vaccination, the MMR vaccine can cause common side effects. Well, according to the CDC, majorly people who have this vaccine experience no side effects.

 

Minor: Mild rash and Fever.

 

Moderate: Stiffness and pain of the joints, seizure, and low platelet count.

 

Serious: Allergic Reaction, which can lead to swelling, hives, and trouble breathing.

 

If your child or you have side effects from the vaccine that concerns you, tell your doctor.

 

Conclusion:

 

All vaccinations are important to prevent various disease. likewise, the MMR vaccine is also very important to prevent dangerous disease like measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine comes in two doses which are recommended to take on time. This vaccine can lead some minor side effects which can come up by the time or by the help of over the counter medicine. But if you find some serious side effect then consult your doctor as soon as possible.

 

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