| |
This vaccine protects against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps
and rubella. These infections have become uncommon in the United
States since this vaccine was introduced, but outbreaks still occur
and these infections are common in some parts of the world.
Measles is a severe illness that can lead to ear infections, brain
damage, pneumonia and seizures. One to three of every 1,000 children
who contract measles in the United States dies, and deaths are
even more common in children less than 5 years of age or who have problems with their immune systems. In rare cases, children
who recover from measles develop a severe and fatal neurological
illness called
subacute
sclerosing panencephalitits (SSPE) many
years after getting measles. Pregnant women who develop
measles may
miscarry or have a premature birth.
People who develop mumps have swelling of the parotid glands and may
suffer several complications including deafness; meningitis; and
inflammation of the testicles, ovaries or pancreas. Pregnant women
who develop mumps early in pregnancy may miscarry.
Rubella may cause fever, rash, swollen glands, joint pain, a
decrease in a patient’s platelet count, encephalitis and temporary
arthritis. Pregnant women who contract rubella may miscarry, or the
fetus could develop congenital rubella syndrome, a syndrome that
includes defects of the eyes, ears, heart and nervous system.
Prevention is the key to not contracting measles, mumps and rubella
and the most effective preventive method is the MMR vaccine.
|
Who should receive the MMR vaccine?
In order for the MMR vaccine to be fully effective, two doses should
be given to children when they are the following ages:
-
12 to 15 months
-
4 to 6 years
Though this is the
recommended MMR dosage schedule, the second dose of this vaccine can
be given at any age as long as 28 days have passed since the first
dose. It is recommended that the second dose is given before the age
of 4 to 6 years if the risk of exposure is high (for example, during
an outbreak or if traveling to an area where measles is common).
During outbreaks of measles, the first dose of MMR can be given to
children as young as 6 months of age, but to be fully protected children who receive their
first dose of MMR before 1 year of age need two further doses
starting at 12 to 15 months of age.
Adults who are 18 years of age and born after 1956 should consider
getting at least one dose of the MMR vaccine unless they can show
they have had the diseases or the earlier vaccines.
Some people should not be inoculated with the MMR vaccine
including:
-
Anyone who is severely
allergic to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or has had a reaction to
a previous dose of the MMR vaccine
-
Pregnant women. Women who
receive the MMR vaccine should wait one month after
receiving MMR before trying to become pregnant.
-
People with HIV/AIDS,
weakened immune systems, cancer or low platelet counts; those being
treated for another condition with steroids or those who have
recently received a blood transfusion should speak with their
primary health care providers about this vaccine.
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one
month behind.
|
When did the MMR vaccine become available?
A vaccine for measles was first licensed in the United States in
1963, followed by approval of mumps vaccine in 1967 and a rubella
vaccine in 1969. Today, vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are
given in a combination vaccination called the MMR. This vaccine is
licensed for use in children, adolescents and adults.
In 2006, another
vaccine called MMRV which combines MMR with the
varicella vaccine was licensed in
the United States for use in children ages 1 to 12 years.
How does someone become infected with measles, mumps and rubella?
These infections are caused by viruses that are spread through
person-to-person contact or rarely by airborne contact.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
When both doses of the MMR vaccine are given, the immunized person
is 99.7 percent protected from measles, mumps and rubella.
Since the measles vaccine was licensed, there has been a 99 percent
reduction in measles cases in the United States.
With the introduction of the mumps vaccine, the number of mumps
cases has fallen from approximately 200,000 cases per year to 600
cases annually. However, in 2006 outbreaks of mumps in adolescents
and adults were reported from several states.
Before a vaccine was developed for rubella, there was a rubella
outbreak in the United States from 1963 to 1964 and 12 million
people contracted the disease. 11,000
fetuses died and 20,000 babies were born with birth defects. Today,
fewer than 25 cases of rubella are reported in the United
States each year.
However, outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella still occur in the
United States, so it is important to keep vaccination rates high in
the community.
Are there any serious side effects of the MMR vaccine?
Mild side effects may include:
-
fever
-
mild rash
-
swelling of cheek or neck
glands
Rare moderate side effects
may include:
-
seizures brought on by a
high fever
-
temporary joint pain or
stiffness
-
temporary lowering of the
patient’s platelet count
Very rare severe problems
may include serious allergic reaction
There is no evidence that
the MMR vaccine causes autism or bowel disorders. Millions of doses
of MMR vaccine have been safely administered to children worldwide.
Learn more about vaccines and
autism.
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s
pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can
answer your questions and give you more information on the measles,
mumps and rubella vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child or
yourself to
protect against
measles, mumps and rubella.
 
|
|
