How to understand MMR

The MMR is a vaccine that combines an immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first vaccine is usually given at age 15 months with a booster shot given prior to school.

When you are considering whether the vaccine is important in your child's health care program, you must realize that prior to the vaccine

•  many children died from complications associated with measles

•  complication of measles include pneumonitis and encephalitis

•  mumps has been associated with sterility in males

•  all three disease are highly contagious

If your child does not receive the MMR vaccine, they are in danger of the following:

•  one child in every 1,000 that comes down with measles has an inflammation of the brain, which can lead to convulsions, deafness, or mental retardation

•  Two children in every 10,000 die from the disease

•  Mumps can produce a mild inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord known as meningitis in one child in every 10 and may cause deafness.

•  Rubella is most dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The MMR vaccine was introduced in Africa in 1996–2002. A review was done that showed the vaccine reduced the mortality rate due to measles. Estimates show that the MMR prevented 52 million cases of the measles, 5,200 deaths, and 17,400 cases of mental retardation.

There are of course dangers associated with the MMR vaccine as with all vaccines, which include:

•  small rash or low to moderate fever starting 1 to 2 weeks after the vaccine

•  mild swelling of the salivary glands and some aching or swelling of the joints

•  about one in every 100,000 children vaccinated has reported to have resulted in a severe adverse effect such as encephalitis or meningitis

•  in very rare cases acute disseminated encephalomyelitis has been noted

Even though studies have been reported in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield in the United Kingdom, of a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism this has not been recognized worldwide.

The study included 12 children that had autism and bowl symptoms after receiving the MMR vaccine. In his report he stated, "In eight children, the onset of behavioral problems had been linked, either by parents or by the child's physician, with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination." On the other hand, other studies after this one has not proven any connection between the vaccine and autism.