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M-M-R II

Generic Name: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR Vaccine) [MEE-zels MUMPS and-roo BEL-a]
Drug Class: Combination Vaccines

What is M-M-R II?

Rubella, measles, and mumps are all serious illnesses caused by viruses that can be spread between people.

Infection with the rubella virus, also known as German measles, during pregnancy may result in miscarriage and birth defects.

M-M-R II helps prevent diseases like these by helping your body develop immunity. The M-M-R II vaccine does not work on an active disease.

The MMR vaccine can be used in children 12 months and older who have never had the disease or received the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is not a guarantee of protection against disease.

Side effects of M-M-R II

If you experience symptoms of an allergic response such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your face and throat, or severe skin reactions like a fever, sore neck, burning eyes, or skin pain with blistering or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.

If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the initial shot, then a booster is not recommended.

Keep track of all the side effects that you experience after getting this vaccination. You will have to inform your doctor of any previous side effects when you get a booster shot.

Infecting yourself with rubella, measles, or mumps is far more harmful to your health. This vaccine, just like all medicines, can have side effects, but there is a very low risk that they will be serious.

Should any of the following serious side effects appear, contact your physician immediately:

  • Red, tender bumps may appear beneath your skin:
  • Feeling lightheadedness as though they could faint.
  • High fever within hours following vaccination;
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Asthmatic symptoms: persistent cough with difficulty breathing
  • Problems with muscle or balance movement
  • A seizure;
  • Nervous system disorders: numbness or pain in the extremities, or weakness or burning sensations; problems with vision, hearing, or breathing.

After receiving the MMR vaccination, you may experience joint discomfort for 2 to 4 weeks. It is most common among women and teenagers.

M-M-R II can cause a number of side effects, including:

  • Fever;
  • Rash;
  • Pain where injections are given.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.

Similar/related drugs

Priorix, rubella virus vaccine, measles virus vaccine, mumps virus vaccine, rubella virus vaccine, ProQuad

Warnings

If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the initial shot, then you should not get a booster.

Before you take this drug

This vaccine is not recommended if you:

  • You are allergic to gelatin.
  • You have experienced a severe reaction to neomycin.
  • You have experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving any vaccination containing rubella, measles, or mumps.

This vaccine is not recommended for anyone with:

  • Cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
  • A bone marrow disorder or a blood cell disease;
  • Untreated Tuberculosis

  • A history of an allergic reaction severe to eggs
  • Immunosuppression due to disease, radiation, or certain drugs;
  • If you plan on getting pregnant within the month,.

If you are suffering from a mild cold, then a vaccination can be given. Wait until your illness is over if you have a severe infection or fever.

If you:

  • Active tuberculosis;
  • A history of epilepsy or head injury.
  • Thrombocytopenia Purpura (easy bleeding or bruising);
  • A weak immune system
  • A neurologic disease or disorder affecting the head (or an allergic reaction to previous vaccinations);
  • If you received an immunoglobulin, blood transfusion, or plasma,.

Do not get the MMR vaccination if pregnant. Wait to give the vaccine after the birth of your child.

A doctor can tell you if M-M-R II is compatible with breastfeeding.

How to take M-M-R II?

The vaccine is administered as an under-the-skin injection, typically in 1 to 3 doses.This injection will be given by your physician in his or her clinic or office.

The first vaccination is given to children between 12 and 15 months of age. The booster shot is given to the child between ages 4 and 6, or just before they start elementary school.

Infants aged 6–11 months who are traveling out of the United States should be vaccinated against MMR.

The MMR vaccination is recommended for adults who have not been immune to rubella, measles, or mumps. This should be done in two doses, separated by at least 28 days.

Local health departments can recommend MMR vaccinations for 6-month-olds, older children, or adults not immune to rubella, measles, and mumps.

You should get an MMR vaccination within 72 hours of exposure if you are exposed to rubella or measles.

If your child has already received the MMR vaccination before age 12, you should continue to administer it to them at 12–15 months. Then, at 4-6 years of age, they can receive a booster.

You may need to adjust your booster schedule if it differs from the guidelines. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or those recommended by your local department of health.

The vaccine may cause false-positive results in a tuberculosis skin test up to six weeks after the vaccination. Inform any doctor that treats you about your MMR vaccination.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are going to miss your booster dose or fall behind on the schedule, call your doctor. The next dose must be administered as quickly as possible. There is no need to restart.

If you do not receive the full recommended dosage of this vaccine, your protection against diseases may be compromised.

What happens if I overdose?

This vaccine is unlikely to result in an overdose.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

The MMR vaccination is often given in conjunction with other vaccines. Tell your doctor about any other recent vaccines that you've received before receiving the MMR vaccine.

Inform your doctor immediately if any of the following medications or treatments have recently been given to you:

  • Steroid medicine;
  • Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
  • Treatment of arthritis or other auto-immune disorders.
  • Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection.

The MMR vaccine may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.