Adult MMR Vaccination - An Overview

Introduction:

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are very contagious viral infections that can cause severe health problems, especially in grown-ups. Even though vaccinations during childhood have lowered how often these diseases happen, outbreaks still can occur. If adults are not properly vaccinated, they can still get sick. It is essential for adults to receive the MMR vaccine to prevent the spread of these diseases and maintain overall health for everyone.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mumps, Measles, and Rubella?

Symptoms of mumps usually appear around 25 days after the virus infection. These include:

• Low-grade fever that rises to around 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Headache.

• Pain and tenderness when chewing or swallowing.

• Muscle aches and fatigue.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Neck pain.

• Abdominal pain.

• Vomiting.

The symptoms of measles include:

• High fever, often reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher by the fifth day.

• Congestion, dry cough, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

• A red, blotchy, itchy rash that starts at the hairline and spreads to cover the body for about three to five days, accompanied by fever.

• Within the mouth, there is the appearance of tiny red and white dots.

Rubella is usually a mild illness, but it can be serious for pregnant women. Symptoms of rubella include:

• Rashes on the face and body.

• Conjunctivitis.

• Mild flu-like symptoms that may occur before the rash appears.

What Is Adult MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine shielding against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These highly infectious diseases can readily be transmitted among unvaccinated individuals. It is important for adults in the following situations to ensure both doses have been received:

• Starting college or university.

• Traveling abroad.

• Planning a pregnancy.

• Working in frontline health or social care.

• Born between 1970 and 1979, as vaccination may have been only for measles.

• Born between 1980 and 1990, as protection against mumps may be lacking.

What Is the Importance of Presumed Evidence of Immunity?

Presumed evidence of immunity can be confirmed through any of the following methods:

• For preschool-aged children and adults who are not considered high risk, written confirmation of having received one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine after the first birthday.

• Written evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine for school-aged children and high-risk adults, such as those attending post-high school secondary educational institutions, healthcare workers, and international travelers.

• Laboratory tests showing immunity.

• Laboratory confirmation of having had the disease.

• Being born before 1957.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for the MMR Vaccine?

1. For Children:

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests getting two shots of the MMR vaccine. The first shot should be given when they are between 12 and 15 months old, and the second one when they are four to six years old. They can get the second dose earlier, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first one.

2. For Adults:

Some adults may require two doses of the vaccine. Those who anticipate being in environments with heightened risk for measles or mumps transmission should ensure they have received two doses, with a minimum separation of 28 days between each. This particularly applies to individuals such as students in post-high school educational settings, healthcare workers, and those planning international travel. Students at colleges or other post-high school educational institutions who are not sure if they are immune should get two MMR vaccine doses, spaced at least 28 days apart.

How Does the MMR Vaccine Function When Administered to Adults?

If a person did not receive the MMR vaccine when they were a child, they should talk to the doctor. The doctor can provide the vaccine to strengthen the immune system. This vaccine is effective against these conditions, and it helps stop problems caused by them. The vaccine contains weakened viruses that enter the body without causing harm. A person might feel some symptoms after getting the vaccine, but it is just their body building up immunity. One shot of the adult MMR vaccine is about 88 percent effective against mumps and 97 percent effective against measles.

What Is the Significance of Adult MMR Vaccination?

Following are the scenarios where adult MMR vaccine is considered important:

• International Travelers: Teenagers and adults without clear evidence of immunity to measles should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, given at least 28 days apart.

• Healthcare Workers: Those healthcare workers lacking proof of immunity should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with each dose administered at least 28 days apart.

• Women in Childbearing Age: Women who could get pregnant should ask their doctor about vaccines before they plan to have a baby.

  1. If they are not pregnant and do not know if they are immune to diseases, they should get at least one shot of the MMR vaccine.

  2. Breastfeeding moms can safely take the MMR vaccine. It will not affect their milk or harm the baby.

• High Risk Group During Mumps Outbreak: During a mumps outbreak, health officials might suggest an extra MMR vaccine dose for people at a higher risk of getting mumps. These are usually those who are close to someone with mumps, like sharing things or living closely. The local health authorities will let us know if we need this extra dose. If someone already had two MMR doses, they do not need another one unless they are in this higher-risk group.

What Are the Contraindications for Receiving the Adult MMR Vaccine?

Individuals with contraindications to the adult MMR vaccine should not receive it. This includes:

1. Those who experienced a severe allergic reaction (for example, anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the vaccine.

2. Individuals with a known severe immunodeficiency, such as those with hematologic and solid tumors, undergoing chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency, or receiving long-term immunosuppressive therapy, including patients with severe immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

3. Pregnant women.

What Are the Precautions to Consider Before Administering the Adult MMR Vaccine?

Precautions for the MMR include:

1. Having a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever.

2. Receiving a blood product containing antibodies in the past 11 months (the specific time depends on the product).

3. A history of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura.

4. Needing a tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) test.

5. Having personal or family history of seizures.

Conclusion:

Getting the MMR vaccine as an adult is really important for keeping the public healthy. When adults are protected from measles, mumps, and rubella, it helps stop outbreaks and keeps vulnerable people safe. It is important for everyone to know about vaccination advice and take action to stay safe from diseases that vaccines can prevent.