MMR VACCINE

by Dr Anshu Verma Clinical Nutritionist

MMR vaccine is an immunization vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella also called German measles. It is a mixture of live attenuated viruses of three diseases administered via injection. The three vaccines were combined in 1971 to measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

This particular vaccine is given in 2 doses.

1^st dose of MMR is given between 12 -18 months.
2nd dose before starting the school (i.e. 4-5yrs), 2nd dose is to produce immunity in small number of persons who fail to develop measles immunity after the first dose. This can also be given in 28 days after the 1^st dose.

Composition of the vaccine:

Disease immunized	Component vaccine
Measles	Attenuvax
Mumps	mumpvax
Rubella	Meruvax 2

Measles mumps and rubella are highly contagious; the combined MMR vaccine was introduced to induce immunity less painfully than three separate injections at the same time. Existing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of MMR vaccine supports current policies of mass immunization aimed at the global measles eradication and in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with mumps and rubella.

Administration.

· MMR vaccine is administered by subcutaneous injection.

· Who should receive the MMR vaccine?

All infants 12 month of age or older.
Susceptible adults who do not have documented evidence of measles immunity such as a blood test showing the presence of measles antibody.

SIDE-EFFECTS:

Nearly all children who get MMR vaccine (more than80%) will have no side effects.
Children who have side effects will have soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given, mild fever may have stiffness and pain in the joints.