What is Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine?
Rubella, measles, and mumps are all serious diseases that are caused by viruses. Infection with the rubella virus, also known as German measles, during pregnancy may result in miscarriage and birth defects. This vaccine helps prevent measles by making your body immune to the disease. This vaccine does not treat an infection that has already developed within the body. The MMR vaccine can be used in children 12 months and older who have not received the vaccine before or experienced the disease. The MMR vaccine is not a guarantee of protection against disease.
Side effects of Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), a severe reaction to the skin (fever or a sore throat), or have rashes or blisters with a red or purple color, seek emergency medical attention. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot. Keep track of all side effects that you experience after receiving the vaccine. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects you experienced from previous vaccinations when you get a booster shot. Infecting yourself with rubella, measles, or mumps is far more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Should any of the following severe adverse reactions develop, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Red, tender bumps can occur beneath your skin;
- Feeling lightheaded could indicate you may be about to pass out.
- Temperature spike within hours or days following vaccination;
- Easy bruising and bleeding:
- Are You Coughing and Having Difficulty Breathing Now? If yes, symptoms include either an increased coughing rate and difficulty in breathing are evident, in addition to new or worsened congestion issues and difficulty.
- Problems with muscle or balance movement
- A seizure;
- Nervous system problems: numbness, pain, or tingling; weakness or burning sensations; vision or hearing difficulties; difficulty breathing.
After receiving the MMR vaccine, you may experience joint discomfort for 2 to 4 months. It is more common among women and teenagers.
Some of the common side effects associated with the MMR vaccine include:
- Fever;
- Rash;
- Pain where the injection is given.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; vaccine adverse reactions should be reported directly to the Department of Health and Human Services by dialing 1-800-822-7967.
Similar/related drugs
Priorix offers measles virus vaccine, mumps virus vaccine and rubella virus vaccine as part of its ProQuad line of vaccines.
Warnings
If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot.
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 to any measles vaccine, mumps vaccine, or rubella vaccine.
This vaccine is not recommended for anyone with:
- Cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- A bone marrow disorder or a blood cell disorder.
- Untreated tb
- A history of severe allergies to eggs
- Immunosuppression due to disease, radiation, or certain drugs;
- If you plan to become pregnant within the next month or are already pregnant,
If you are suffering from a minor cold, it is possible to receive a vaccination.wait to take action against an acute illness such as fever or infection until you feel better before trying anything new.
If you:
- Active tuberculosis;
- A history of head injury or seizure
- Thrombocytopenia purpura (easy bleeding or bruising);
- A weak immune system
- A neurologic disease or disorder affecting the head (or if it was an allergic reaction to a prior vaccine);
- If you received an immunoglobulin, blood, or plasma transfusion,
Do not get the MMR vaccination if you're pregnant. Vaccines should be given after the birth of your child. Ask your doctor if you can breastfeed safely while receiving the MMR vaccine (measles, rubella, mumps, and rhinitis).
How to take Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine?
The vaccine is administered as an injection beneath the skin. This usually occurs in a series between 1 and 3 shots. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office. The first vaccination is given to children between 12 and 15 months of age. The booster shots will be given between the ages of 4 and 6, or just before your child begins elementary school. The CDC recommends that infants aged 6 to 11 months who are traveling outside of the United States receive an MMR vaccination. Adults who have not been immunized against measles, mumps, or rubella can receive the MMR vaccine by receiving 2 doses separated by at least 4 weeks (28 days). Local health departments may recommend that children who are 6 months or older, as well as adults and older children, receive 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine if they have not been immune to rubella, measles, and mumps.
You should get an MMR vaccination within 72 hours of exposure if you are exposed to rubella, measles, or mumps. If your child has already received the MMR vaccine before age 12, you should continue to administer it to them at 12–15 months. Then, at 4-6 years of age, give 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 the schedule set by your local health department. 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.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for mumps prophylaxis:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
Usual Adult Dose for Rubella Prophylaxis:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
Adult dose for measles prophylaxis:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
The usual pediatric dose for Mumps prophylaxis is:
Twelve months and older:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
Comments:
The recommended age for the first vaccination is 12 to 15 months.
Revaccination prior to entry into elementary school is recommended.
Children who were vaccinated before 12 months old should be revaccinated between 12 and 15 months, along with a second dose prior to school entry.
The usual pediatric dose for rubella prophylaxis is:
Twelve months and older:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
Comments:
The recommended age for the first vaccination is 12 to 15 months.
Revaccination prior to entry into elementary school is recommended.
Children who were vaccinated before 12 months old should be revaccinated between 12 and 15 months, along with a second dose prior to school entry.
The usual pediatric dose for measles prophylaxis is:
Twelve months and older:
0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once
Comments:
The recommended age for the first vaccination is 12 to 15 months.
Revaccination prior to entry into elementary school is recommended.
Children who were vaccinated before 12 months old should be revaccinated between 12 and 15 months, along with a second dose prior to school entry.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are going to miss a booster or fall behind on your schedule, call your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There's no need to restart everything from scratch. If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised.
What happens if I overdose?
It is extremely unlikely that this vaccine will lead to any overdosing.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes restrictions regarding food, beverage or activity consumption or activity level, take careful note. If necessary follow their orders.
Interaction with other drug
The MMR vaccine can be given in conjunction with other vaccines. Tell your doctor about any other recent vaccines that you've received before receiving this MMR vaccine.
Inform your physician immediately if any of the following medications or treatments have recently been given to you:
- Steroid medicine;
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
- Treatment of psoriasis or arthritis.
- Medicines to treat or prevent transplant 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.
