Keeping your new baby healthy includes making sure that available vaccines are given at the right times. If your baby doesn't get vaccinated, she or he may be at risk for getting very sick and developing measles, mumps, or rubella. When keeping your regular scheduled checkups, bring your vaccination record with you so that your nurse practitioner or doctor can record these vaccinations for you.
What diseases does this immunization prevent?
The MMR vaccine protects your child against these three life-threatening illnesses.
When is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given in two doses: between 12 and 15 months of age, and again between 4 and 6 years of age. If an outbreak of measles occurs, it may be recommended that your child receive a "booster" injection.
What are the side effects of the vaccination?
Most children have no side effects. Some children may get sore and slightly swollen where the vaccine was given. Non-aspirin pain reliever can be given for the fever or discomfort. Be sure to ask your nurse practitioner or doctor for the correct dose of pain reliever for your child. Occasionally a child will have a rash and/or a low-grade fever lasting a few days beginning a week or two after the vaccination. Children who have had serious allergic reactions to eggs or to the antibiotic, neomycin should consult with their doctor prior to getting the vaccine. Children with serious immune deficiencies (except HIV) should postpone this immunization. Having a seizure is a very rare complication but there is no evidence that there has ever been any brain damage following the vaccine. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner immediately if:
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011