MMR vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles ). Most parents now choose MMRV instead of MMR. MMRV is the same as MMR except that it also protects against  the varicella virus which causes chicken pox.

Who should get the MMR vaccine and when ?

This vaccine comprises two shots.

Schedule

• between 12 – 15 moths of age
• between 4-6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 28 days after the 1st dose)

 
This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Children between the ages 1 – 12 years can get a “combination” vaccine called MMRV, which contains both MMR and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. Some infants younger than 12 months should get a dose of MMR if they are traveling out of the country. However this dose will not count toward their routine series.

Who should not get the vaccine ?

You don’t have to get the vaccine if you fall into this category :

 
• a child who has had  a life-threatening allergic reaction to the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of MMR vaccine, should not get the vaccine
• any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine should not get another dose.
• pregnant women SHOULD NOT get the MMR vaccine. Women should avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine.

Who should wait ?

Children who are sick at the time of the shot should wait until they get better to receive the shot

Let your doctor know if you fall into the following category. You may need to delay the shot or not get it at all. If you

 
• have cancer
• have  HIV/AIDS or any disease that compromises the immune system
• have gotten another vaccine within the past 4 weeks
• are being treated with for cancer with radiation or drugs
• have ever had a low platelet count (a blood disorder)
• have received transfusion or received other blood products recently

Risk associated with the MMR vaccine .

A vaccine like  any medication can cause serious allergic reaction however this risk is very small. Getting the vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps or rubella. Most people however receive this vaccine with no issues at all.

Mild problems : These include :

 
• fever
• swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck
• mild rash

 
Moderate  problems : These include :

 
• seizures
• temporary low platelet count, which can cause a bleeding disorder
• temporary pain and stiffness in the joints, usually  in teenage or adult women

 
Severe problems : These are very rare and may include

 
• severe allergic reaction
• other problems such as deafness, long-term seizures or coma and permanent brain damage

What do I do if my child has a serious allergic reaction ?

Look for the following signs in your signs in your child

 
• very high fever
• behavioral change
• allergic reactions such as  difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, hives, swelling of face and throat, dizziness and weakness

 
If you child is experiencing any of these call your emergency number or 911 immediately. After that you or your doctor should  report it  to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) through the VAERS website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
 
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