Impact of the MMR Vaccine: Eradicating Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

MMR vaccine is an important vaccine given to children. This single vaccine protects the child from measles, mumps, rubella (German measles). All three are serious diseases and in some cases all three can be fatal for the child.

Measles:
Measles virus causes many types of symptoms in the body. It has symptoms like rashes all over the body as well as fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and redness. Apart from this, there are also chances of ear infection, diarrhea and pneumonia in measles. In some cases, symptoms of brain damage are also seen.

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Mumps:
The mumps virus causes fever, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite and swelling in the body. Apart from this, there is pain in touching the salivary glands located in the inner part of the ear. This disease increases the chances of deafness, swelling in the brain and spinal cord, swelling in the testicles and swelling in the ovaries.

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Rubella (rubella/ German measles):
The rubella virus causes symptoms of fever, sore throat, rashes, headache and burning sensation in the eyes. This disease causes arthritis in about half of the teenagers and older women. Having rubella during pregnancy increases the chances of miscarriage or the child having a disorder from birth.

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These three diseases spread easily from one person to another. Even in measles, there is no need to come in contact with the patient. If a measles patient has been in a room for about two hours before, then there is a possibility of a healthy person getting measles just by going into that room.

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When the MMR vaccine dosage should be given is explained in detail below.

• First dose: When the child is 12 to 15 months old (0.5 ml)
• Second dose: When the child is 4 to 6 years old (0.5 ml)

Children who are going to travel to other countries must take at least one dose of MMR till they are 6 to 11 months old. Apart from this, after turning 12 months old, the child should take both the doses of MMR before his journey. Children aged one year or above who have taken one dose of MMR are also at a higher risk of getting mumps. In such a situation, it is necessary for the child to take another dose of MMR.

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Adults also need to take the MMR vaccine. Adults aged 18 years or above who are more likely to get measles, mumps, rubella (rubella / German measles) can be given a third dose of MMR vaccine.

MMR vaccine is not given to every child or person. That is why you should talk to your doctor before getting this vaccine for the child. In the following circumstances, MMR vaccine is not given or the child is asked to wait for some time.

• Having A Severe Allergy:

If the child or person has had a severe allergy or an allergy at the site of injection after the previous dose of MMR, then MMR is not recommended.

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• Pregnant Women Or Women Trying To Conceive:

Pregnant women should take the MMR vaccine only after a long period of pregnancy. Whereas women wishing to get pregnant should try to conceive at least one month after taking the MMR vaccine.

• If You Have A Weak Immune System:

If your immune system is weak due to any disease (such as cancer or HIV) or treatment (such as radiation, chemotherapy, etc.), you should ask your doctor before taking the MMR vaccine.

• Health Problem Of Any Family Member:

If any member of your family has ever had any immunity related problem.

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• Blood Transfusion

In this situation, one should wait for about three months or more before taking the MMR vaccine.

• TB:

TB patients should consult a doctor before taking the MMR vaccine.

• Taking Any Other Vaccine:

Taking any other vaccine in the last four months.

• lLL Health:

Generally, one does not have to wait to get MMR vaccine if there are mild symptoms of any disease (such as cold, flu etc.). But if the symptoms of the disease are more severe, then in such a case, one should consult a doctor before taking the vaccine.

• Bleeding Quickly:

If wounds occur easily or bleeding starts quickly, then consult a doctor before getting vaccinated.

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Like other medicines, MMR vaccine can also have side effects. However, in most cases its harmful effects are not seen. This vaccine is considered safe for measles, mumps, rubella (rubella/ German measles). But still some of its side effects are being described in detail below.

• A boil at the injection site
• Fever
• Mild rashes on the child's body
• Pain or muscle cramps for some time. The immunity of most teenagers and older women is unable to tolerate the rubella elements present in the vaccine.

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Apart from this, there is also a risk of febrile seizures from MMR vaccine. In febrile seizures, fever causes seizures and body cramps. In rare cases, there is a problem of febrile seizures after taking the MMR vaccine and this problem does not last for a long time. But as the child grows up, the risk of febrile seizures also increases.

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Generally, MMR vaccine is safe, but children and adults are at risk of having some problems after MMR vaccine. Sometimes the risk of problems occurring in the first dose of MMR vaccine is not there in its second dose. The risks of MMR are explained in detail below.

• Redness or rashes at the site of injection. 
• Swelling in the glands of the neck and cheeks. 
• Seizures along with fever.
• Short-term decrease in the number of platelets, which can cause bleeding or bruising. 
• Deafness. 
• Prolonged seizures, coma or loss of consciousness.
• Brain damage. 
• If a person has trouble breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hives, weakness or any other problem after taking the MMR vaccine, then take him to a doctor immediately.

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The MMR vaccine is a vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). The vaccine is usually given to children as a first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is considered highly effective and safe. It builds immunity against all three diseases, which can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and congenital disorders. Mild side effects such as fever or mild skin rash may occur after vaccination, but serious side effects are extremely rare. The MMR vaccine is important for public health because it helps prevent the spread of these diseases in the community.