by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: October 10, 2009

What is MMR vaccine?

MMR vaccine is a combination of vaccines aimed at three diseases which was common in the early childhood. These are the Measles, Mumps and the Rubella. Before introduction of these vaccines, all three diseases were in high prevalence all over the world and were claiming many lives as well. But, following mass immunization programmes, most of these deaths were averted and the prevalence of these illnesses was drastically reduced.

What diseases does it prevent?

Measles : The condition is characterized by fever, malaise and the rash which usually is self limiting. But, at times, it tends to develop complications including encephalitis, pneumonia and ear infections.

Mumps: The infection which is characterized by the swelling at the base of the ear can cause problems for post pubertal male children as it can affect the testis. It could lead to a condition known as 'orchitis' and in such instances can cause sub fertility. It can also lead to meningitis, encephalitis and even deafness.

Rubells : Although in most instances a harmless disease in the childhood, the infection if contracted during pregnancy can lead to a syndrome known as congenital rubella syndrome which is also associated with mental retardation.

What does the vaccine contain?

The vaccine contains live attenuated viruses grown in chick embryos and small amount of antibiotic neomycin and gelatin.

What is the recommended schedule?

The recommendations of giving the vaccine are by two doses, preferably before entering into the kindergarten. Therefore, the children are vaccinated as follows,

1st dose - 12 - 15 months

2nd dose - 4 - 6 years

Important facts:

The minimum age for giving the MMR vaccine is 12 months of age and the duration between the two doses should be more than 28 days. The second dose is not considered as a booster dose but it is to further improve the immunity of 2-3 % of the children who does not develop immunity after the 1st dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Once the vaccine is given, these children could develop a fever and some times a rash with joint pains. But these incidents are relatively uncommon and would be self limiting.

Who should not be given the vaccine?

When giving the vaccine to a child there certain things that we need to verify. These are,

Is the child allergic to gelatin, eggs or Neomycin. Did the child developed an allergic reaction to the first dose Is the child immune compromised due to steroid intake or infections such as HIV/AIDS.

If these concerns are present, the child needs to be assessed and the MMR is not usually recommended. But, in instance of egg allergy, the researches have challenged the argument of developing allergy based on allergy to eggs. Therefore it is not contraindicated in these children.

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