MMR Vaccine

MMR is a live virus vaccine used against measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles). It is a sterile lyophilized preparation of attenuated strains of measles virus, mumps virus (paramyxoviruses), and rubella virus (togavirus).

Recommended Vaccination Schedule according to latest IAP update 2016

First dose of MMR should be administered after completing 270 days or 9 months of life instead of earlier recommended stand alone Measles vaccine
Second dose of MMR can be given at 15 months through 18 months of age. The minimum gap of 4 weeks after the 1st dose should be maintained
Third dose of MMR should be given at 4-6 years of age
All school children and adolescents who did not have natural infection or received the vaccine earlier should be immunized with 2 doses of MMR at minimum 4 weeks interval

Other important vaccine recommendations:

In case of measles outbreak, infants as young as 6 months can be given monovalent measles vaccine. However, 2 doses of MMR still need to be given later
Females of childbearing age should be vaccinated with rubella vaccine to avoid complications of rubella during pregnancy

Side effects of MMR vaccine:

Mild problems like fever, rash, swelling of lymphatic glands can occur after 7-12 days of the first shot. Seizures caused by fever, temporary stiff aching joints in teenagers and adult women may occur. In very rare cases , serious allergic reactions can harm the vaccinated person. MMR vaccine is undoubtedly safer than actually getting the 3 diseases it prevents.

Marketed MMR Products

Here is the list of WHO pre-qualified vaccine products available in market. Click on name of the product to know more.