Measles vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is included in the complete routine immunization program recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.
There are two types of vaccines used to prevent measles, namely the MR vaccine and the MMR vaccine. The MR vaccine prevents measles and rubella, while the MMR vaccine prevents measles, rubella, and mumps.
The measles vaccine is made from an attenuated measles virus. Injecting the measles vaccine will make the body produce antibodies that will fight the virus if it attacks at any time.
Measles vaccine trademark: Measles and Rubella Vaccine, Priorix Tetra, Dry Measles Vaccine
What is the Measles Vaccine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Prevent measles |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Measles vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Category X:Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether the measles vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Measles Vaccine
Measles vaccine should not be used carelessly. There are several things you should pay attention to before using the measles vaccine, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Measles vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), a weakened immune system, seizures, head injury, blood disorders, spinal cord disorders, or cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever, vaccination will be postponed until your condition improves.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a blood transfusion or received treatment with immunoglobulins.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. The measles vaccine should not be given to pregnant women.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effect, after getting the measles vaccine.
Measles Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
Measles vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children. Based on the immunization schedule issued by IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), the measles vaccine is given 3 times. There are two types of measles vaccine available, namely MR (measles, rubella) and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
The following is the measles vaccine dose based on the patient's age:
- Children: 0.5 ml is injected under the skin (subcutaneously/SC). Primary immunization is given when the child is 9 months old (MR). Immunization booster given when the child is 18 months (MR/MMR) and 5–7 years (MR/MMR).
- Mature: MMR vaccine, the first dose of 0.5 ml is injected through the muscle (intramuscular / IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous / SC). The second dose is given 28 days after the first dose.
How to Give Measles Vaccine
Always follow your doctor's instructions and recommendations before receiving the measles vaccine. Measles vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children.
Measles vaccine is given directly at a health facility by a doctor or health worker under the supervision of a doctor. The measles vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneously/SC).
In children, the measles vaccine is injected into the deltoid muscle located in the upper arm. Meanwhile, in adults who have not previously received the measles vaccine, the vaccine can be injected through a muscle or under the skin. The location of the vaccine will be adjusted according to the patient's condition and needs.
Measles vaccine must be given according to a predetermined schedule so that the vaccine can work more effectively. The child must take the entire prescribed dose. If your child misses a dose, see a doctor immediately for the missed dose.
Measles Vaccine Interactions with Other Drugs
When used with immunosuppressant drugs, such as corticosteroids, the measles vaccine's effectiveness in providing protection or prevention of infection may decrease. In addition, undergoing therapy with immunoglobulins after the measles vaccine injection can also affect the effectiveness of the vaccination.
To avoid side effects, always tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
Measles Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can appear after using the measles vaccine, including:
- Fever or dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness
- Pain or redness at the injection site
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. In addition, see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.