The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella which are all potentially dangerous diseases during childhood. These diseases are caused by a group of viruses that may be harmful when complications occur.
Measles is characterized by rashes, cough, colds, eye irritation, and fever in many people, but its complications can include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, blindness, and even death in some cases. Mumps causes swelling of the salivary glands, fever, and headache, but can also result in deafness, meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, and death in some people. While rubella, or German measles, is mostly a mild disease, it can cause grave birth defects in the child of a woman who contracted the disease in her pregnancy.
Otherwise known as rubella vaccination, mumps vaccination, and mumps-measles-rubella vaccination, this 3-in-1 vaccine is among the recommended childhood immunizations. Submission of proof of MMR vaccination is generally a prerequisite for children entering school.
People Needing MMR
The first shot of MMR vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age. This schedule is vital to ensure that the child is adequately protected, thus, too early vaccination should not be done.
A second dose of MMR is recommended when the child is about to start school, usually between 4 to 6 years old, although a child may also get it at any time after that. However, proof of a second MMR is often a requirement upon kindergarten entry in several states.
Adults 18 years old and above who were born after 1956 must also be given MMR if they are not sure whether they are already protected or if they have received the two doses in their childhood.
On the other hand, people born earlier than 1956 may not be immunized anymore, as they are considered to be immune. Many adults in this age group had actually been affected by the three diseases covered by the MMR vaccine during their childhood.
One dose of MMR can provide immunity to many individuals throughout their lives. But it is recommended to have the second MMR to ensure sufficient protection as some individuals tend to fail to develop immunity after the first dose.
Side effects of MMR vaccine
Most individuals have no adverse reactions to the MMR vaccine. Some though may develop soreness, tenderness, or redness at the site of injection. Others may also develop fever, joint pain, and minor swelling of the glands. Simply provide supportive care
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