Motherhood is a very precious feeling, and all mothers try to provide the best to their babies and protect them from all pain and diseases. MMR vaccine helps mothers in protecting their babies.
MMR vaccine is given to avoid getting infected by Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). This vaccine can safeguard their health and protect them from these three serious ailments. It is one of the most important doses that need to give to your baby.
In This Article
- What is the MMR Vaccine, and What Does The MMR Vaccine Do?
- What are Measles, Mumps, and Rubella?
- Key Benefits of MMR Vaccine
- Who should Get MMR Vaccination?
- Who should not Get the MMR Vaccine?
- Risks & Side Effects
What is the MMR Vaccine, and What Does The MMR Vaccine Do?
Before the MMR vaccine was invented, measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) were prevalent diseases. Many fell severely sick, leading to severe complications and even death in some instances. Therefore, the vaccine was developed to protect babies against these three diseases lifelong.
What are Measles, Mumps, and Rubella?
So what are the 3 diseases that have led to worldwide fear and what are their symptoms? Let’s find out!
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Measles:
Starting from mild symptoms, measles is a viral infection that can lead to ear infections and even brain damage. It can also affect the lungs and cause pneumonia. Its symptoms are rash, runny nose, cough, fever, and white spots in the mouth that are called the Koplic spots.
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Mumps:
Caused by a viral infection, mumps is an ailment. The symptoms of mumps include headache, fever, and pain in chewing or swallowing. If it gets complicated it can lead to deafness and meningitis or even infertility in men.
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Rubella:
Known as the German measles, its symptoms are mild fever, rashes, red eyes, and lymph at the back of the neck. In most cases, people recover fast from rubella, but it is dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause long-term defects in the newborn baby or even a miscarriage.
[Read : Measles In Babies]
Key Benefits of MMR Vaccine
Now that we have understood how scary the 3 diseases are, we know why the MMR vaccine was developed. Therefore, the key benefits are:
- It helps protect children and adults from three infections ailments: measles, mumps, and rubella. It provides them life-long protection and allows them to live a risk-free life from this ailment.
- The child can get one single vaccine, rather than getting three painful injections- different for all 3 diseases.
Who should Get MMR Vaccination?
According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research, every baby should get vaccinated to be free from measles, mumps, and rubella throughout their lives.
Suggested MMR Vaccine Schedule:
It is recommended that the doses be taken according to this schedule:
- 1st dose during 12-15 months of age
- Next dose at 4-6 years of age.
Who should not Get the MMR Vaccine?
The following is about babies who should not get the MMR vaccine and what are the exceptions:
- If the baby is allergic to the components of the vaccine, gelatin, and the antibiotic neomycin
- Your infant is currently sick
- If your little one has got any other vaccination in the past month, do inform your doctor
- If the baby has ever had a low platelet count
In the above circumstances, consult your doctor and they will decide the best possible measure.
Risks & Side Effects
The pros of the MMR vaccine outweigh the cons and MMR vaccine side effects. A single injection protects against three ailments, so there can be MMR vaccine risks like allergy, mild fever, rashes, or swelling in the neck or cheek. The effects can last up to a maximum of 14 days, but they are all easily treatable.
So far there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. MMR vaccine protects babies against three painful ailments. It can be life-saving for them, and they can live a healthy life with this vaccine.
Read Also : 10 Ways to Ease Your Baby’s Vaccination Pain
