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MMR is a universally accepted abbreviation for Measles-Mumps-Rubella. Each of these is a serious disease by itself, and was considered to be common diseases of childhood till the 1970's. All three diseases are caused by viruses. Measles results in a rash all over the body accompanied by fever. It can also lead to pneumonia, brain damage and death. Mumps is mainly a swelling of the glands and can lead to damage in the brain and spinal cord, and in adult males, a complication is sterility. Rubella (also known as German measles) also results in a rash and fever but also leads to arthritis. All three diseases are highly contagious and spread very quickly especially amongst children. The best way of protecting children (and adults) from measles, mumps and rubella is the MMR vaccination. This vaccination has been in use for 30 years and more, and more than 500 million vaccinations have been administered. Although the MMR vaccination is accepted by almost all countries in the world, it is marketed under different names such as M-M-R II, Priorix, Tresivac, etc. The MMR vaccination is a combination vaccination that protects against measles-mumps-rubella. The MMR vaccination contains attenuated viruses of all three disease
producing viruses such that it enables the body to produce antibodies but not result in a full blown case of the illness. Making the MMR vaccination is more difficult than other vaccines since it is a combination of 3 attenuated viruses. The live mumps and measles virus are propagated in chicken embryo cell culture. The rubella virus is propagated in WI-38 human lung tissue. The MMR vaccination is available in a freeze-dried form. It is reconstituted in the provided solvent before administration. The MMR vaccination is a subcutaneous injection. MMR vaccination is on the vaccination schedule for all infants across the world. There are 2 doses that are given. The second shot that is given to the children is simply to ensure activation of the antibodies and not a booster shot. When the second shot of the MMR vaccination is given differs in countries. It can be given anytime after a month from the first dose (which is between 12-15 months of age). In the US the second shot is given right before the child enters kindergarten. Like all other vaccinations the MMR vaccination does not have any adverse side effects. There is the expected soreness at the point of injection, slight fever, increased irritability etc. However, because the MMR vaccination involves live virus, anyone who has a compromised immune system, or in on steroids, is pregnant or planning the same, is allergic to eggs or already has had a vaccine for one of the three diseases should consult a doctor before getting the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccination is highly effective and safe and is now a standard across the world. Childhood Vaccination
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