Protective Combo Vaccine for Mumps, Measles, and Rubella
This article details the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, including its purpose, composition, administration schedule, precautions, side effects, and benefits. It emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination to prevent serious complications like congenital defects, infertility, and blindness, highlighting the vaccine's role in public health. Suitable for individuals aged 12 months and older, the MMR vaccine is a critical tool for preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations, including women of childbearing age.
Purpose
Contracting rubella during pregnancy can cause birth defects and deformities. Mumps can result in orchitis leading to infertility, while measles may cause blindness in children. Vaccination promptly prevents these risks.
Ingredients and Brand Names
The active ingredients include live attenuated strains of measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. The commercial product is known as M-M-R II.
Vaccine Composition
When prepared correctly, a 0.5 ml dose contains at least 1,000 CCID50 of measles virus, 12,500 CCID50 of mumps virus, and 1,000 CCID50 of rubella virus.
How It Works
After administration, the body produces antibodies against mumps, measles, and rubella viruses, offering immunity.
Administration Schedule
The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 12 months and older, with doses given at any suitable time after that age.
Uses and Benefits
This vaccine is used to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella infections. It's especially vital during outbreaks and for non-pregnant females of childbearing age to prevent congenital rubella in newborns.
Precautionary Measures
Have emergency treatment, including epinephrine, ready for allergic reactions.
Use caution in individuals with history of seizures, cerebral injuries, or fever-prone conditions.
Carefully evaluate risks in people with egg allergies or thrombocytopenia.
The vaccine must not be given to pregnant women.
Nursing women should be cautious, as live rubella vaccine virus can pass into breast milk.
Healthy HIV-positive individuals may receive the vaccine.
Possible Side Effects
Common: mild stinging at injection site.
Occasional: fever, rash, or mild overall discomfort.
Rare: allergic reactions, local skin reactions, and neurological issues such as febrile seizures.
Other reactions include swelling, joint pain, and respiratory symptoms.
