MMR is a live virus vaccine used against measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles). It is a sterile lyophilized preparation of attenuated strains of measles virus, mumps virus (paramyxoviruses), and rubella virus (togavirus).
Recommended Vaccination Schedule according to latest IAP update 2016
- First dose of MMR should be administered after completing 270 days or 9 months of life instead of earlier recommended stand alone Measles vaccine
- Second dose of MMR can be given at 15 months through 18 months of age. The minimum gap of 4 weeks after the 1st dose should be maintained
- Third dose of MMR should be given at 4-6 years of age
- All school children and adolescents who did not have natural infection or received the vaccine earlier should be immunized with 2 doses of MMR at minimum 4 weeks interval
Other important vaccine recommendations:
- In case of measles outbreak, infants as young as 6 months can be given monovalent measles vaccine. However, 2 doses of MMR still need to be given later
- Females of childbearing age should be vaccinated with rubella vaccine to avoid complications of rubella during pregnancy
Side effects of MMR vaccine:
Mild problems like fever, rash, swelling of lymphatic glands can occur after 7-12 days of the first shot. Seizures caused by fever, temporary stiff aching joints in teenagers and adult women may occur. In very rare cases , serious allergic reactions can harm the vaccinated person. MMR vaccine is undoubtedly safer than actually getting the 3 diseases it prevents.
Marketed MMR Products
Here is the list of WHO pre-qualified vaccine products available in market. Click on name of the product to know more.