Introduction
Measles is a contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. Measles is also known as rubeola/red measles/ten-day measles. Rubella is also called German measles. Rubella and measles have similar symptoms like fever, sore throat, and rash. But the virus that causes measles is different than the virus that causes rubella. German measles (rubella) is a very serious condition for pregnant women. Both measles and german measles can be prevented by one vaccine. Mumps is a virus that can lead to deafness, meningitis, etc. It transmits from person to person through airborne droplets.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella?
The symptoms of measles, mumps, and rubella are as follows:
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Measles - Measles causes cough, fever, runny nose, body rash, watery eyes, and conjunctivitis and can lead to seizures, ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
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Mumps - Mumps causes headache, fever, body ache, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender glands under the ears giving the appearance of a chipmunk face, which can lead to deafness and swelling of the brain and spinal cord, painful swelling of ovaries and testis, and sometimes death.
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Rubella - Also known as German measles. Rubella causes sore throat, rash, fever, headache, irritation of the eyes, and arthritis. Pregnant women could have miscarriages, or the baby could have serious congenital disabilities such as blindness, deafness, heart defect, or intellectual disabilities.
Who Should Get MMR Vaccine?
MMR vaccine is recommended for children, adults, and international travelers.
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Infants - Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive one dose of vaccine before they turn one should get two more doses, one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose with a gap of 28 days.
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Children - All children are recommended to get two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at 12 and 15 months, and the second at four and six years of age. They can receive their second dose within 28 days after the first dose. High school students need two doses of MMR vaccine, with a gap of 28 days.
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Adults - Adults who do not have immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, but some may need two doses of MMR vaccine. Adults at high risk for developing measles or mumps should ensure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.
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International Travelers - People six months of age and older who travel internationally should be protected from measles.
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Healthcare Professionals - Healthcare professionals should get two doses of the MMR vaccine.
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Women of Childbearing Age - Women of childbearing age who are not pregnant should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Women planning to get pregnant should check with their doctor to ensure they are vaccinated before getting pregnant.
Who Should Not Get MMR Vaccine?
Some people should wait or should avoid getting the MMR vaccine if:
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The woman is pregnant or is trying to get pregnant. Women should wait to get the MMR vaccine until they are no longer pregnant and should not get pregnant for at least one month after getting the MMR vaccine.
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The person has a weak immune system.
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The person is on radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
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The person has a family history of immune system problems.
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The person is on steroids.
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The person has a recent history of blood transfusion.
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The person has a condition that makes him bleed easily.
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The person is suffering from tuberculosis.
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The person has got any other vaccines in the past four weeks.
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Wait if the person is unwell and has a moderate or severe cold.
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The person has any life-threatening allergies, a history of previous allergic reactions to vaccination, or is allergic to the MMR vaccine and any components of the vaccine.
How Effective Is the MMR Vaccine?
MMR (weakened) is a live attenuated virus. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The people who receive the MMR vaccine are protected for life against the mumps for most of them, but an additional dose may be needed if the person is at risk.
One dose of MMR vaccine is 97% effective against rubella, 93% effective against measles, and 78% effective against mumps. Some people who get two doses of MMR may still get infected if exposed to the virus. The third dose of MMR is recommended in certain people during mumps outbreak situations.
What Are the Side Effects of MMR Vaccine?
As the MMR vaccine is very safe, most of the side effects are mild and side effects do not last long. The side effects are:
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Swelling and redness can be observed around the injection site for two to three days.
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After seven to 11 days after the injection, children can develop a fever.
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Loss of appetite.
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Feeling of being unwell for two to three days after the vaccination.
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Swelling of glands of cheeks or temporary pain may occur.
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Stiffness of joints may occur.
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Serious reactions are rare, which include seizures, unusual bleeding, or bruise.
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People have serious immune system disorders; the vaccination can cause a life-threatening infection.
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If the person observes any serious reaction after the vaccination, they should report it immediately to their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The MMR vaccine provides immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. During the outbreaks of measles or mumps, everyone without presumptive evidence of immunity should be brought up to date with their MMR vaccination. Those who are already up to date with their MMR vaccination may be recommended to get an additional dose for added protection against the disease.
