Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) are serious diseases which before vaccines were very common, especially among children. MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against these three separate illnesses i.e. measles, mumps and rubella in a single injection. These three diseases are highly infectious conditions that can have serious, and potentially fatal, complications, including Meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness.

Measles virus causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It is highly infectious and spreads when a person with measles sneezes or coughs.It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, brain damage and death.

Mumps virus causes fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, tiredness and swollen salivary glands. It is a contagious disease which spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. It can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and rarely death.

Rubella virus causes rash, sore throat, arthritis (mostly in women) and mild fever. It is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects.

You can protect your child against these diseases with safe & effective MMR vaccination.

Available Brand names for MMR vaccine

1. Tresivac by Serum Institute of India

2. Trimovax by Sanofi Pasteur

Vaccination Schedule of MMR vaccine

MMR vaccine can be given simultaneously with other vaccines.

Routine vaccination:

• Minimum age: 9 months or 270 completed days.

• Administer the first dose of MMR vaccine at age 9 through 12 months, the second dose at age 15 through 18 months, and final (the 3rd) dose at age 4 through 6 years.

• The 2nd dose must follow in 2nd year of life. However, it can be given at any time 4-8 weeks after the 1st dose.

• No need to give stand-alone measles vaccine.

Catch-up vaccination:

• Ensure that all school-aged children and adolescents have had at least 2 doses of MMR vaccine (3 doses if the 1st dose is received before 12 months).

• The minimum interval between the 2 doses is 4 weeks.

• One dose if previously vaccinated with one dose (2 doses if the 1st dose is received before 12 months).

• ‘Stand alone’ measles/any measles-containing vaccine or MMR can be administered to infants aged 6 through 8 months during outbreaks. However, this dose should not be counted.

Special precautions required before receiving MMR vaccine under following circumstances

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of MMR vaccine should not get the vaccine. Tell your doctor if your child have any severe allergies.

• Anyone who had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMR vaccine should not get another dose.

• Children who are sick at the time, the shot is scheduled, may be advised to wait until they recover before getting MMR vaccine.

• Tell your doctor if the child getting the vaccine:

• Has HIV/AIDS, or another disease that affects the immune system

• Has any kind of cancer

• Has gotten another vaccine within the past 4 weeks

Any of these might be a reason to not get the vaccine, or delay vaccination until later.

Possible Side Effects of MMR vaccine

The Side effects of MMR vaccine are usually mild which includes Sore arm from the shot, Fever, Mild Rash or a rare occurrence of Swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck (about 1 person in 75). Serious allergic reactions to MMR vaccine are usually rare.

These are the things which parents can do before, during and after MMR vaccination so that it becomes easier and less stressful.

Before Vaccination

• Read any vaccine materials you received from your child’s health care professional. Learn more about the benefits & side effects of MMR vaccine.

• Bring your child’s personal immunisation record to your appointment. An up-to-date record tells your doctor exactly what shots your child has already received.

• Bring your child’s favourite toy to keep them diverted throughout the session.

• Get to the vaccination appointment on time and stay calm.

During the vaccination

• Distract your child by cuddling them and engaging them in their favorite toys.

• Hold your child firmly on your lap whenever possible during the vaccination.

• Acknowledge your child’s pain but do not focus on it.

After Vaccination

• Cuddle and comfort your child.

• You will be asked to stay for some time after your child’s vaccination to watch for any signs of reaction.

• Mild fever and soreness in the area where shot was given is common. Placing a cold cloth over the site may help.

• Keep a check that no other vaccine should be given within 4-6 weeks of MMR vaccine.