factsheet: MMR
full name
Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine
what is measles?
The measles virus is very infectious. It causes a high fever and a rash. About one in 15 children who gets measles is at risk of complications which may include chest infections, fits and brain damage. In severe cases measles can kill.
what is mumps?
The mumps virus causes swollen glands in the face. Before immunisation was introduced, mumps was the commonest cause of viral meningitis in children under 15. It can also cause deafness, and swelling of the testicles in boys and ovaries in girls.
what is rubella?
Rubella, German measles, is usually very mild and isn’t likely to cause your child any problems. However, if a pregnant woman catches it in her early pregnancy (first 8-10 weeks) and sometimes up to 16 weeks, it can harm the unborn baby.
when it is given
It is given in two doses: one when your baby is 12-15 months old and then again at 3-5 years.
effectiveness
measles:
Before the vaccine was introduced, about 90 children a year in the UK died from measles. Because of immunisation, children no longer die of measles. Before immunisation was available, up to 800,000 cases were notified each year in England and Wales. By 1993, notifications had fallen to 9,612. Despite the possibility of the link to an increase in incidence of Crohn’s disease, the overwhelming evidence has not supported this and parents are advised to continue with the MMR schedule (Which Consumer Guide to Children’s Health, 1997).
risks/side-effects of vaccine
first dose:
- Rash/fever: Following the first dose of MMR, fever and/or rash may occur, (usually within a week to 10 days after immunisation). This will last for a few days at the most.
- Febrile convulsions: In rare instances febrile convulsions (fits) occur 6-11 days after the MMR is given. This is thought to be due to the measles component. The pattern is identical to that occurring when measles vaccine is given alone. It is worth watching for a fever from day 5-11 and giving paracetamol liquid at the first sign of a temperature (Which Consumer guide to Children’s Health, 1997 p 51).
second dose:
- Reactions to the second dose of MMR are much rarer, but the same precautions as for the first dose are recommended.
Very rarely, a child will get a mild form of mumps about three weeks after the injection. Your child will not be infectious at this time, so they can mix with other people as normal.
The MMR vaccine is prepared in egg but it can be given to children who are allergic to eggs. If your child has had a serious reaction to eating eggs, of food containing egg, then talk to your doctor. The usual signs of a serious allergic reaction are a rash that covers the face and body, a swollen mouth and throat, breathing difficulties and shock. In these cases your doctor can make special arrangements for the immunisation to be given safely.
