The MMR vaccine is a vaccine that is used to protect the body from three types of diseases, namely measles (measles), mumps (mumps), and rubella. The MMR vaccine is recommended for all age groups, especially children and adults who have not received this vaccine.
The MMR vaccine contains an attenuated combination of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. Giving the virus that has been weakened will trigger the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the three diseases.
Currently, a combination vaccine called the MMRV vaccine has been developed. This vaccine not only protects the body from measles, mumps, and rubella, but also chickenpox. The MMRV vaccine can be used for children 12 months to 12 years of age.
In Indonesia, the MR vaccine (measles and rubella) is given priority in the mandatory immunization program, which is at the age of 9 months. This is because the Indonesian government prioritizes the prevention of measles and rubella which can cause serious complications and even death.
Therefore, for children who have received the MMR vaccine, it is recommended to continue receiving the MR vaccine so that the body gets full immunity against measles and rubella.
Indication Giving MMR Vaccine
There are two groups of individuals who are recommended to get the MMR vaccine, namely:
Children
The MMR vaccine can be obtained through routine childhood immunization programs. The first dose of MMR vaccine should be received when the child is 12–15 months old, while the second dose is received when the child is 4–6 years old.
If your child has just received one dose of the MMR vaccine, his body is not fully protected from the risk of measles, mumps, and rubella.
Teenagers and Adults
Adults who have never or recently received the MMR vaccine, are recommended to receive two injections of the MMR vaccine with an interval of 1 month. Adults who are recommended to get the MMR vaccine are:
- Women planning to get pregnant
- People who will visit areas that are currently experiencing or have experienced measles outbreaks
- Health workers
MMR Vaccine Warning
The MMR vaccine is generally discouraged or delayed in people with the following conditions:
- Have or have had a severe allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine
- Have cancer or are taking treatment that affects the immune system, such as treatment with corticosteroids, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy
- Are pregnant, because this vaccine can cause complications in pregnancy and trigger miscarriage
- Suffering from a disease that affects the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS
- Have a family history of immune system disorders
- Just had a blood transfusion
- Suffering from tuberculosis
- Received other vaccines in the last 4 weeks
- Have a history of blood clotting disorders
Before Giving MMR Vaccine
Prior to the MMR vaccination, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's medical history, allergy history, medications being taken, and lifestyle. The doctor will also explain about the benefits and risks that the patient may experience after vaccination.
Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination and measure body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, to ensure that the patient is in good condition, so that the risk of side effects after vaccination is low.
For parents, there are several things that can be done before their child receives the MMR vaccine, namely:
- Bring a child's immunization book, so the doctor can see which vaccines have been received
- Bring the child's favorite toy or object to calm the child when given the vaccine
- Choose clothes that are comfortable for children, such as shirts that are not tight
- Explain to children in simple language about the vaccination process that will be carried out
- Telling children that vaccinations will keep their bodies healthy
Procedure Giving MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is given by injection into the fat tissue, just under the surface of the skin (subcutaneously). For pediatric patients, the injection is generally done in the thigh. While in adolescents and adults, the injection is done in the upper arm.
Vaccines containing this attenuated virus will be given as much as 0.5 ml in one injection. The following are the stages of the MMR vaccination:
- The doctor first cleans the area to be injected with an alcohol swab.
- The doctor will pinch the skin around the injection area with his hands.
- The doctor will inject the MMR vaccine.
- The doctor will apply alcohol gauze to apply pressure to the injection site when the needle is removed to prevent bleeding.
For parents, there are several ways that can be done to calm the child when the child is undergoing the MMR vaccination, namely:
- Divert attention and give peace to the child by hugging, singing, or talking softly.
- Make eye contact with the child.
- Entertain your child with a favorite toy, book, or object.
- Hold the child firmly on the lap.
- Give encouragement to the child, if the child understands enough.
- Do not yell or scold the child, if the child cries when injected.
MMR Vaccine Side Effects
The MMR vaccine has several side effects that may appear 6–14 days after the first vaccination, namely:
- Fever
- Mild rash on the injected area
- Swelling of the glands of the cheek or neck
In rare cases, the MMR vaccine can also cause some more serious side effects, namely:
- Joint pain or stiff joints
- Seizures caused by fever (febrile seizures)
- A decrease in the number of platelets that is temporary and can cause bleeding
- Allergic reaction
To avoid dangerous side effects, contact your doctor immediately if you have complaints in the form of:
- Very dizzy
- Visual disturbance
- Ears ringing
- Allergic reactions, such as red spots, heart palpitations, to shortness of breath
After Giving MMR Vaccine
Generally, the MMR vaccination procedure does not take a long time. After undergoing vaccination, there are several things that can be done to relieve minor side effects that may appear, namely:
- Drink lots of water
- Move the arm if the arm feels sore after the vaccine injection
- Compressing the injection area with a cold cloth to relieve pain
- Take pain relievers as directed by the doctor
The following are some things that parents need to pay attention to after their child receives the MMR vaccine:
- Give special paracetamol for children if the child has a mild fever after vaccination.
- Make sure children drink lots of water, because usually children do not have an appetite for 24 hours after vaccination.
- Compress the injection site with a cold cloth to reduce redness, pain, and swelling in the area.
- Watch the child closely for several days.
- Call the doctor if your child has any worrying symptoms or complaints.
For women, use contraception for up to 1 month after the vaccine to prevent pregnancy. The reason is, the MMR vaccine can cause complications in pregnancy, even trigger miscarriage.