How The MMR Vaccine Can Save Your Child

The MMR vaccine is one of the most important vaccines a child can receive. It protects children from three potentially deadly diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. Despite the benefits of the MMR vaccine, some parents are choosing not to have their children vaccinated. This could lead to an outbreak of these diseases. Let's find out why this vaccine is important and how it can protect your children.

1. What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

Measles

The measles virus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects young children.

The measles virus is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood, from an infected person. Measles can also be spread indirectly, through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Symptoms of measles infection typically appear 10-12 days after exposure and include fever, rash, and cold-like symptoms.

For measles vaccination, two forms of vaccines are available. The monovalent vaccine for Measles differs from the combination vaccine.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands.

The infection is spread through contact with infected saliva, and it typically takes two to three weeks for symptoms to appear.

The most distinctive symptom of mumps is swollen cheeks, but the virus can also cause fever, headaches, and pain in the muscles and joints.

Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects the skin and lymph nodes.

The disease is usually mild, with symptoms that include a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.

The infection is spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing utensils or touching an infected surface.

All three illnesses mentioned above are vaccine-preventable and is covered in the MMR vaccine.

2. Who should get the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children. In Malaysia, according to the National Immunisation Schedule, the MMR vaccine is given in two doses with the first dose at 9 months and the second dose at 12 months. A booster dose for the Rubella and Measles vaccine is given at the age of 7. It is important to be compliant with the vaccination schedule for children. Health providers should notify and inform parents of any updated vaccine schedule.

In addition, adults who were not vaccinated as children or who do not have immunity to these diseases should also be vaccinated.

The MMR vaccine is especially important for people who work in healthcare or education, as they are at a higher risk of exposure to these diseases. The MMR vaccine is also recommended for people who are planning to travel to areas where these diseases are endemic.

3. Why is the MMR vaccine important?

Measles, mumps, and rubella are three highly contagious diseases that can cause serious health complications.

Complications of measles:

• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Death due to respiratory and neurological complications
• Women who are not vaccinated against measles have a high risk of premature birth and low-weight baby
• Otitis Media (Infection of the middle ear)

Complications of mumps:

Mumps may lead to inflammation of many organs in the body which include:

• Inflammation of the testicles in men, which may lead to infertility
• Swelling in the ovaries
• Pancreatitis
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis

Complications of rubella:

Rubella, while usually milder than measles or mumps, can still cause serious health problems:

One of the complications of rubella is arthritis in 70% of women and this is rare in children and men. However, what's more concerning is the complication for pregnant women which include:

• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Serious birth defects
• Congenital rubella syndrome

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and it is the best way to protect against these three potentially serious illnesses.

4. How does the MMR vaccine work?

The vaccine works by exposing the body to a weakened form of the virus, which then prompts the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies help to protect against future infection by the virus.

5. What are the side effects of the MMR vaccine?

The most common side effects of the MMR vaccine are fever and mild soreness or redness at the injection site. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days.

More rarely, the MMR vaccine can cause more serious side effects such as seizures or allergic reactions. Although these side effects are rare, it's important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about getting the vaccine.

6. Is the MMR vaccine safe?

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against three potentially serious illnesses: measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is now routinely given to children in countries around the world, and the incidence of these diseases has declined dramatically.

While there have been some reports of adverse reactions to the vaccine, the vast majority of these have been mild and temporary. It is important to remember that the risks posed by the diseases themselves are far greater than the risks associated with the vaccine. Overall, the MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against three potentially serious illnesses.

7. How effective is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in many countries and is recommended for all children by the World Health Organization.

8. How much does the MMR vaccine (Malaysia) cost?

The MMR vaccine is available for free in Malaysia through the government's immunization program. However, if you are not covered by the program or if you need the vaccine for travel purposes, it may be available for purchase at a private clinic or hospital. The cost of the MMR vaccine varies depending on the provider.

9. Where can you get the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is available at all government and private health clinics and hospitals in Malaysia.

You can also easily arrange an appointment for a hassle-free MMR vaccination with DoctorOnCall. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get the vaccine, if needed.

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