Seldom do most people in the western world, with perhaps the
exception of pediatric, medical professionals, think about measles, mumps and
rubella as representing a life-threatening health concern for children living
in India, China or Africa or many other countries of the world and yet, these
illnesses can affect any child around the globe.
"All three diseases are highly contagious." (1)
Globally, children should
receive measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) for protection from these
diseases, as well as to prevent the diseases from spreading to others
elsewhere. Parents need knowledge about measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
vaccines, as well as appropriate immunization schedules for their children.
What is MMR vaccine?
"The MMR vaccine is a
mixture of three live attenuated viruses, administered via injection for
immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (also called German
measles.)" (2)
On the medical horizon, MMR
vaccine is relatively new.
Globally, many people do not
understand what immunization signifies, in terms of the health and well being of
their children; nor do they comprehend how immunization works in terms of
disease prevention. At the same time, they can be extremely devastated by the
illness, permanent debilitation or loss of one of their children from measles,
mumps or rubella.
Globally, further education
about MMR vaccine for children is essential.
What are attenuated vaccines?
"Attenuation, in
microbiology, is reducing the virulence of a pathogen, but still keeping it
viable (or 'live'). Attenuated vaccines take a living agent and alter it so
that it becomes harmless or less virulent. These vaccines contrast to those produced
by 'killing' the virus (inactivated vaccine). (3)
Note that the use of an active
or live virus triggers an immune response in the human body to that particular
virus. Any symptoms that do occur are less severe than those that result from
the actual disease process itself. In fact, vaccination proves to be effective
measure in terms of prevention of the disease.
MMR vaccination is important
for children everywhere.
In the western world, most
children receive MMR vaccine in doctors' or pediatricians' offices. Parents
will receive a record of their children's immunization. Those who have not
received immunization records can obtain them from their doctors' offices. At
times, parents may not be certain as to what immunization their children have already
received or still may need.
What is the normal schedule of
administration of MMR vaccine for children?
"It is generally
administered to children around the age of one year, with a second dose before
starting school (i.e. age 4/5) The second dose is not a booster; it is a dose
to produce immunity in the small number of persons (2-5%) who fail to develop
measles immunity after the first dose." (4)
Parents seeking to have their
children immunized may have other questions that they want to ask. For example,
how long has MMR vaccine been given to children?
"In the United States
Is MMR vaccine an effective
vaccine for children with respect to measles, mumps and rubella protection and
prevention?
"Today, the incidence of
measles has fallen to less than 1% of people under the age of 30 in countries
with routine childhood vaccination. (6)
Unfortunately, not all
countries offer routine vaccination for children, so the diseases continue to
spread, but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that MMR vaccination has
proven to be effective for children, in terms of their protection and the
prevention of these diseases.
"The benefit of measles
vaccination in preventing illness, disability, and death has been
well-documented. The first 20 years of licensed measles vaccination in the U.S.
Globally, are measles, mumps
and rubella still a serious health concern? In other words, do they still
represent a possible, life-threatening scenario for children, around the world?
"Measles is endemic
worldwide." (8)
Yes, at this time, these
diseases still present a threat. Those who are familiar with the pandemic
statistics regarding the spread of the H1N1 virus should be alert to the
serious nature of measles, mumps and rubella with respect to the health of
children everywhere.
"Although it was declared
eliminated from the U.S. in
2000, high rates of vaccination and good communication with persons who refuse
vaccination is needed to prevent outbreaks and sustain the elimination of
measles in the U.S.
In other words, in the western
world and globally, there is still an ongoing, uphill battle against measles.
Is the mumps still a serious
health threat to children, as well?
“Mumps is another viral disease of childhood that was once
very common. If mumps is acquired by a male who is past puberty, a possible
complication is bilateral orchitis, which can in some cases, lead to
sterility." (10)
Is rubella still a serious
health threat for children, too?
"Rubella, otherwise known
as German measles, was also very common before the advent of widespread
vaccination. The major risk of rubella is if a pregnant woman is infected, her
baby may contract congenital rubella from her, which can cause significant
congenital defects." (11)
Is it possible for children to
suffer side effects from MMR vaccine?
"Adverse reactions, rarely
serious, may occur from each component of the MMR vaccine. 10% of children
develop fever, malaise and a rash 5-21 days after the first vaccination; 5%
develop temporary joint pain." (12)
Can the MMR vaccine be life
threatening for children?
"Anaphylaxis is extremely
rare, but a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. One cause can be an egg
allergy." (13)
This suggests that children
known to have egg allergies, may experience problems and their parents should
consult a pediatric specialist regarding the advisability of vaccination with
MMR vaccine.
In the past, the diseases known
as measles, mumps and rubella have been common, childhood illnesses. At this
time, while they still present a serious global health concern. The important
thing is that they are preventable diseases and thus, immunization with MMR, is
advised by pediatric medical professionals to protect children and to prevent
further spread of these diseases.
Parents who are concerned about
any possible risk factors for children receiving MMR vaccine, should consult
their family physicians or seek advice from pediatric medical professionals.
There is further information abut MMR vaccine, available on the Internet or
through various community health agencies, in most countries.
2. Ibid.
4. Op. Cit., MMR_vaccine
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid.
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