MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine that protects against these three highly contagious viral infections:
- Measles – A serious viral infection that causes a rash, cough, runny nose, and fever. Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
- Mumps – A viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. It can lead to complications like deafness, meningitis, or infertility in males.
- Rubella (also known as German measles) – A mild viral infection that causes a rash, mild fever, and swollen lymph nodes. However, rubella can cause serious birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts it.
Overview of the Diseases
All three of these viral infections can be prevented by the MMR vaccine.
Measles
Measles is one of the most highly contagious illnesses. Measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area and infect those who then enter that area. Anyone can get measles if they are not fully vaccinated but it is most common in young children. Symptoms usually start 10 days after your contact with the virus, and include:
1. cold-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, sneezing)
2. a high temperature (fever)
3. sore red eyes, that may be sensitive to light
4. small grey-white spots on the inside of cheeks
5. red-brown blotchy rash; starts a few days after the other symptoms and
6. spreads from the head or upper neck outwards to the rest of the body
Symptoms typically last around 7 to 10 days. The infection can be complicated by
ear and chest infection, seizures, blindness and brain infection.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that was common before MMR vaccine was introduced.
Mumps causes painful swellings in the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands which are responsible for producing saliva). Other symptoms which may appear a few days before the swelling include:
1. a high temperature (fever)
2. headache
3. pain in the joints
Symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks. The infection can be complicated by swelling of
the testicles or ovaries, hearing loss and meningitis.
Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral illness which causes a skin rash.
Symptoms of rubella usually last for 7 to 10 days and include:
4. a red-pink spotty rash
5. swollen glands around the head and neck
6. high temperature (fever)
7. cold-like symptoms such as a cough and runny nose
8. aching and painful joints
Rubella in pregnancy can be serious, particularly if caught in early pregnancy. It can cause loss of the baby (miscarriage) or serious problems after the baby is born with their sight, hearing, heart or brain.
Treatment
There is no cure for measles, mumps or rubella. Most people usually recover at home without any treatment. You can treat symptoms at home by:
1. getting plenty of rest
2. drinking plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated
3. take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain or discomfort
If complications occur, you should seek medical advice as you may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Vaccination
MMR is the vaccine used in the UK. It is a combined vaccine that protects against
measles, mumps and rubella. The two types of MMR vaccine available are called MMRVAXPRO and Priorix .
Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed in your life time to protect you against all three viruses.
Children:
MMR vaccine is usually given to babies and young children as part of the UK vaccination schedule.
1..the first dose is usually given around 12 to 13 months of age
2. the second dose is usually given around 3.5 to 4 years old
If your baby has not yet received the MMR vaccine, talk to your GP
Adults:
Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed in your life time to protect you against all three viruses. If you were previously infected (usually when you were a child) with either measles, mumps or rubella illness you should have lifelong immunity against that particular disease. Check with your General Practice to ensure you have received two doses of MMR vaccination before travelling. If you were born before 1990, you are unlikely to be fully vaccinated against mumps.
If you have not had 2 doses of MMR vaccine, you should consider being vaccinated before travel.
Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is safe, but like any vaccine, it can cause side effects, most of which are mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Pain or redness at the injection site.
- Fever – Often mild, usually occurring 7 to 12 days after vaccination.
- Rash – A mild, non-contagious rash may appear, usually 7 to 10 days after vaccination.
- Swelling of glands – Some children may experience swelling of the lymph nodes or the glands near the jaw (parotid glands) after the vaccine. Contraindications:
The MMR vaccine should not be given to:
a. Pregnant women (due to the risk of birth defects).
b. Individuals with severe immunodeficiency (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, or with certain immune system conditions).
c. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of theMMR vaccine (e.g., neomycin, gelatin).
