Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)

About the vaccine

• The vaccine contains attenuated (weakened) measles, mumps and rubella viruses, and remnants of substances that have remained in trace amounts following production process: neomycin and recombinant human albumin and the inactive sugar sorbitol.
• The MMR vaccine is given by injection, subcutaneously into the upper arm.
• According to the WHO recommendations, your child should receive two doses of vaccine:  the first dose of vaccine at the age of 12-15 months and the revaccination (second dose) at the age of 6-7 years. Please consult national immunization schedule to see exactly when your chid should get the vaccine.
• In special epidemiological conditions, i.e. in the case of declaring an epidemic or outbreak of measles, this vaccine can be given earlier, at the age of 6 to 12 months as it is considered as “zero doze”. As this doze develops only partial immune response, vaccination is repeated in the second year of life according to national immunization schedule.
• The MMR vaccine can be given to your child at the same time as other childhood vaccines such as vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae (PCV vaccine), chickenpox (varicella), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Polio, Hemophilus influenzae, but should be given into another part on the body.
• If the MMR vaccine is given with another live attenuated vaccine (such as chickenpox vaccine), both vaccines could be given at the same time or in 4 weeks apart. Some countries may administrate MMRV vaccine, which is a combined vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella)
• The vaccine should not be given to children:
  • Who had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any ingredient in the vaccine (such as gelatine or neomycin).
  • With reduced immune defence (immunodeficiency), including congenital (important family history of the disease) or acquired due to: malignant diseases (cancer), children receiving chemotherapy, high doses of corticosteroid drugs, radiation, etc.  and any significant form of immunosuppression,
• If your child is ill and has a high body temperature> 38.5 C, the vaccination should be postponed and done when he/she recovers from the disease.
• Since it is a live vaccine, it is not given to pregnant women.
• Mild concurrent infections are not a contraindication to vaccination.
• Possible rare mild reactions from vaccines (pain, a rash or fever) are normal and will go soon away. If you see something that concerns you, call your doctor.