The MMR vaccine is known as the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine. It is designed to fight these three illnesses through the lifetime child being administered the vaccine. It is administered via an injection and is usually given around the age of 1. The MMR vaccine has proven to be extremely effective at fighting these three illnesses. Cases in countries where child vaccination using MMR is practiced have fallen to less than 1% in people aged below 30. Thus, because it is so extremely effective, MMR is now a routine vaccine given to children as part of the standard pediatric care procedure.
The dosage is usually a two shot dose. The first shot is given around age of 1 and the second after that. The second dose can be given 4 weeks or later after the first shot. It is not advisable to give the second dose before 4 weeks have elapsed from the first dose. In some cases, the child does not show a reaction to the injection, which means that the immunity has not formed. In such children, a second dose, usually at age 4 is given. This is a substitute dose, and not a booster for the previous dose.
The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine. It contains what is known as an attenuated virus. This means that the virus is actually present in the dosage but in a small quantity. This virus stimulates the immune system to fight against it and the immune system will develop antibodies to the virus. These antibodies are the ones that will protect the person in the future from contracting a full-blown version of either of these three diseases.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine include fever, rashes, pain and joint pains. Rare cases may produce side effects of seizures, allergic reactions or swelling in the glands.
About one in twenty cases shows a mild reaction in the form of a rash when the vaccine is administered. This rash may appear during the period 7 to 12 days from the date of vaccination. However, in rare cases, the rash may even appear as late as 28 days after the vaccination. The rash appears as a red pimply reaction and may last for a few days. If the rash is persistent, it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately for treatment. In some rare cases, a rash is a sign of some underlying problem which has been aggravated by the vaccine. It is always essential, therefore, to monitor the rash properly and make sure it begins to fade in a few days
Submitted by P T on March 17, 2010 at 06:08
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