Stresses the importance of immunization and offers information on the diseases prevented by the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot. Also provides information regarding typical administration times and common side effects.
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?
Measles is a serious viral disease that is easily passed from one person to another. It causes a high fever,
cough, and rash lasting up to two weeks. Occasionally it can lead to seizures and mental retardation or death.
Mumps is a virus that causes fever, headache, and swollen, painful glands in front of the ears lasting many
days. It can lead to meningitis, hearing loss, and sterility in teenage boys.
Rubella is also called German measles. This disease can be passed on to pregnant women and greatly damage
or kill the unborn baby. It causes fever, swollen neck glands, a rash, and arthritis.
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:
Your child experiences a fever above 103 degrees
Your child experiences swelling of the neck glands
Your child experiences joint pain 10 to 14 days after the injection
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
