Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My child is six years old and is due for the booster vaccination. I am hesitant to proceed because many videos are circulating about potential side effects. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine are being discussed as having adverse effects due to the ingredients used in them. Should vaccination be chosen or avoided? Could you please guide me on this matter?
Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand the concern as a parent, and it is completely natural to seek reassurance before proceeding with vaccination for a child. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) booster vaccines given around five to six years of age are considered very safe and have been used worldwide for several decades.
These vaccines are booster doses and not new vaccines. The purpose of booster doses is to strengthen and prolong the immunity that the child has already developed from earlier vaccinations. As children grow, immunity from previous doses can gradually decrease, which is why booster doses are recommended.
Most children experience only mild and temporary side effects, such as pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, mild fever, or slight tiredness lasting one to two days. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Large scientific studies involving millions of children have shown that these vaccines do not cause autism, developmental delay, infertility, or damage to the immune system. Claims commonly seen on social media are not supported by scientific evidence.
The diseases prevented by these vaccines can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Measles can lead to pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, pertussis (whooping cough) can cause serious breathing difficulties, tetanus results in painful muscle spasms, and diphtheria can damage the heart and block the airway. These illnesses are now uncommon mainly because routine vaccination has kept them under control.
Vaccinating a child also helps protect vulnerable individuals in the community, including infants, elderly family members, and children with weakened immune systems.
Overall, the benefits of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) booster vaccines greatly outweigh the very small risks. These vaccines are a safe, effective, and essential step in protecting long-term child health.
It is recommended to proceed with the scheduled booster vaccination as per the national immunization schedule.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The child has already received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, one at nine months and another at fifteen months. The government vaccination schedule recommends only two doses. Then why is a third dose needed? Are two doses not sufficient, doctor? The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also said to provide lifelong immunity.
Kindly advise.
Hello
Welcome back to iCliniq.
I understand your concern.
Since the child received the first doses before the age of one, a booster dose at six years of age is recommended.
Yes, this booster helps provide long-term, often lifelong, immunity.
It is recommended to administer the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster dose at this time, as per the immunization schedule.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Aaqib Javed
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.