MMRvaccine

The MMR vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella -- all of which are potentially serious diseases of childhood.

The MMR vaccine is a mixture of three live attenuated viruses, administered via injection for immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (also call
WHO SHOULD GET THIS VACCINE
The MMR is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. Generally, proof of MMR vaccination is required for school entry.

• The first shot is recommended when the child is 12 to 15 months old. The timing of vaccination is important to make sure the child is properly protected. It must not be given too early.
  
• A second MMR is recommended before entering school at 4 - 6 years, but may be given at any time thereafter. Some states require a second MMR at kindergarten entry.
  

ed German measles).
BENEFITS
One MMR will protect most individuals from contracting measles, mumps, or rubella throughout their lives. The second MMR is recommended to cover those individuals who may not have received adequate protection from the first MMR
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Watch for and be familiar with how to care for a fever, joint pain and stiffness, minor gland swelling and tenderness, or minor redness and soreness at the injection site. If a rash develops without other symptoms, no treatment is necessary, and it should go away within several days.
Most people who receive the MMR will have no associated problems. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness at the injection site or fevers. Serious problems associated with receiving the MMR are rare.
Potential mild to moderate adverse effects include:

• Fever (1 in 6 children)
  
• Rash (1 in 20)
  
• Swollen glands (rare)
  
• Seizure (1 in 3,000)
  
• Joint pain/stiffness (1 in 4, usually young women)
  
• Low platelet count/bleeding (1 in 30,000)
  

Severe adverse effects may include:

• Allergic reaction (less than 1 per million)
  
• Long-term seizure, brain damage, or deafness (so rare that the association with the vaccine is questionable)
  

Despite considerable publicity, there is no evidence linking MMR vaccination with the development of autism. The Centers
CONSIDERATIONSIf th e child is ill with something more serious than just a cold, immunization may be delayed. Tell your health care providers if your child had any problems with the first MMR vaccine before scheduling the second one.
The MMR vaccine should not be given to people who have:

• An allergy to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin serious enough to require medical treatment
  
• A weakened immune system due to certain cancers, HIV, steroid drugs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other immunosuppressant drugs
  

You should not receive this vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 28 days.
People who have received transfusions or other blood products (including gamma globulin) or who have had low platelet counts should discuss the proper timing of MMR vaccine with their health care provider