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Recognize What MMR Vaccine Is

MMR vaccine is a vaccine used to protect the body from three types of diseases, namely measles, mumps and rubella. MMR vaccine is given twice, at the age of 15 months and 5 years. The MMR vaccine contains a weakened combination of measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Giving a weakened virus triggers the body's immune system to produce antibodies to fight the three diseases. MMR vaccine can protect the body from measles, mumps and rubella for more than 20 years after 2 times of administration. At present, a combination of vaccines called MMRV vaccine has been developed. This vaccine protects the body from MMR and chicken pox. MMRV vaccine can be used for children aged 12 months to 12 years.

Indications for MMR Vaccine

There are two groups of individuals who are recommended to get the MMR vaccine, namely:
  • Children. MMR vaccine is a vaccine that is routinely given as part of a children's immunization program. The first dose of MMR vaccine should be given when children are 12-15 months old, while the second dose is given when children are 4-6 years old. Children who have just received one dose of MMR vaccine, then the body is not fully protected from the risk of measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • Teenagers and Adults. Adults who have never had MMR vaccine or only once, it is recommended to do 2 injections of MMR vaccine with a gap of 1 month. The recommended adult group for MMR vaccination are:
    - Women who are planning to become pregnant.
    - People who will visit an area that is or has experienced an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella.
    -Health workers.
    -People who are exposed to measles during an outbreak.

Warning:

There are several conditions when a person should not undergo or postpone MMR vaccination, including:
  • Have or have experienced a severe allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine or other ingredients contained in the MMR vaccine, which is life threatening.
  • Pregnant women, because this vaccine can cause complications in pregnancy and lead to miscarriage.
  • Suffer from diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV / AIDS.
  • Are undergoing treatment that affects the immune system, such as treatment with corticosteroids, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
  • There is a family history of immune system disorders.
  • Just had a blood transfusion.
  • Suffered from tuberculosis.
  • Received another vaccine in the past 4 weeks
  • Not feeling well, for example, having a cold cough.

Before Giving MMR Vaccine

Before MMR vaccination, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's medical history which includes health problems that have been or are being suffered, a history of allergies, medications that are being consumed, and lifestyle. The doctor will also explain the MMR vaccine, the benefits, and risks that the patient may experience after vaccination. Next, the doctor will do a physical examination and measure body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, to reduce the risk of side effects after vaccination. For parents, there are several things that can be done before the child receives the MMR vaccine, including:
  • Read information about the MMR vaccine before children receive the vaccine. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination against children.
  • Bring a child immunization book, so the doctor can see what vaccines have been received.
  • Bring a child's favorite toy or object to calm the child during the vaccine.
  • Choose clothes that are comfortable for children, such as clothes that are not tight or too many buttons.
  • If the child is old enough, parents can explain to the child that vaccination will be a little sick, but not for long.
  • Tell children that vaccination will keep their bodies healthy.

MMR Vaccine Administration Procedure

MMR vaccine is given by injection in fat tissue, just below the surface of the skin (subcutaneously). For pediatric patients, the injection is generally done in the thigh. Whereas adolescents and adults, injections are carried out in the upper arm. A vaccine containing this attenuated virus will be given as much as 0.5 ml in a single injection. The MMR vaccination procedure steps are:
  • The injection area in the patient's arm or thigh will be cleaned with alcoholic cotton.
  • The doctor will pinch the skin around the injection area with his hand.
  • The doctor will inject the MMR vaccine into the patient's arm or thigh.
  • Alcoholic gauze or cotton gauze is used to compress the injection area when the needle is removed.
For parents, there are several ways you can do to calm the child when the child is undergoing the MMR vaccination procedure, including:
  • Divert attention and give calm to the child by hugging, singing, or speaking softly.
  • Make eye contact with children.
  • Entertain and give peace with a child's favorite toys, books, or objects.
  • Hold the child firmly in your lap.
  • If the child is old enough, parents can encourage the child. Do not yell or scold the child, if the child cries when injected.

After Giving MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccination procedure generally takes place quickly. There are a number of things that patients can do to relieve minor side effects that may occur after vaccination, including:
  • Consume lots of fluids.
  • If the arm feels pain after injection, try to move the arm. This action can help deal with pain and swelling.
  • If the pain is still felt, place a cold cloth over the injection area to relieve the pain.
  • If the doctor allows it, patients can take pain relievers
For women, use contraception for up to 1 month after the vaccine to prevent pregnancy. Some things that need to be considered by parents after the child receives the MMR vaccine, are:
  • The child may experience a low-grade fever after vaccination. If this happens, give children special paracetamol to reduce body temperature.
  • Give plenty of fluids to children. This is because a child tends to decrease appetite for 24 hours after vaccination.
  • Put a cool cloth in the injection area to reduce redness, pain, and swelling experienced by children.
  • Watch the child closely for several days. If you see a symptom or sign that is worrying, contact your doctor immediately

MMR Vaccine Side Effects

Some people may experience mild symptoms, such as fever, mild rashes, and swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck. This problem usually occurs 6-14 days after vaccination, but rarely after the second vaccine. There are some other side effects that rarely occur, namely:
  • Joint pain or joints feel stiff.
  • Seizures caused by fever (febrile convulsions).
  • A decrease in platelet count that is temporary and can cause bleeding.
  • Allergic reaction.
Immediately contact a doctor if complaints arise in the form of dizziness, vision problems, and buzzing ears, or allergic reactions occur, such as itching accompanied by red spots, pale, weak, palpitations, to shortness of breath.

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