MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). This comes in a single injection either the muscle of the thigh or upper arm and full course requires two doses.
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious conditions that can have serious, and potentially fatal complications such as meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness.
They can also lead to complications in pregnancy and later affect the unborn baby. It can even lead to miscarriage.
It’s important to ensure that you and your children are up-to-date with the MMR vaccination since there are outbreaks and cases of measles in recent years.
When to have MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine can sometimes be given to babies from six months of age if they may have been exposed to the measles virus, or during a measles outbreak.
The vaccine is not usually effective for babies under six months old so they should not be routinely given MMR vaccine. It is because babies under six months have maternal bodies so the vaccine will not retain to their body. However, these maternal bodies will decline and are almost gone when the child reached the age of one.
However, these children may not have enough protection from this early dose, so they will still need the standard MMR doses at 12-13 months and 40 months of age.
It’s good to have MMR vaccination if you are planning to get pregnant. This may protect you from infections that often leads to serious birth defects and miscarriage. But, you should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after having MMR vaccination.
Be aware that the MMR vaccine is not suitable for women who are already pregnant.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
The side effects of the MMR vaccine are usually mild at least milder than the potential complications of measles, mumps and rubella. Different side effects can occur at different times. Side effects include:
In rare cases, a small rash of bruise-like spots may appear a few weeks after the injection. See your GP if you have any concerns about your child’s symptoms after having the MMR jab.
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