WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is the MMR vaccine? The MMR vaccine is an injection given to help prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles causes a skin rash to appear on your child's head and upper neck. The rash may slowly spread to your child's hands and feet. Mumps can infect many parts of your child's body and usually causes inflammation of his parotid glands. These glands make saliva and are found in your child's cheeks. Rubella causes a skin rash that usually starts on your child's face. The rash may spread to your child's chest, abdomen, back, arms, and legs. Who should get the MMR vaccine? - Children 12 months to 6 years usually receive 2 MMR shots. The first dose should be given at 12 to 15 months. The second dose is usually given at 4 to 6 years. The second dose may be given before age 4 if it has been at least 4 weeks since the first dose.
- Infants 6 to 11 months who will be traveling internationally may need 1 MMR shot. They should then receive 2 more MMR shots. The second dose should be given at 12 to 15 months. The third dose should be given at least 4 weeks later.
- Children 12 months and older who will be traveling internationally may need 2 MMR shots. The first dose should be given at 12 months or older. The second dose should be given at least 4 weeks later.
- Children 7 to 18 years who have not had the vaccine should receive 2 doses. Those who have had only 1 dose should receive a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
Who should not get the MMR vaccine? Your child should not get the MMR vaccine if he has had an allergic reaction to gelatin, antibiotic medicine, or a previous MMR vaccine. Who should wait to get the MMR vaccine? - Any child who is sick or has a fever should wait until he feels better to get the vaccine.
- Ask your child's healthcare provider if he should get the MMR vaccine if:
- Your child is being treated with medicines that weaken the immune system, such as steroids.
- Your child has a disease that weakens the immune system, such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS.
- Your child has received a blood transfusion in the past 3 to 11 months.
- Your child has untreated, active tuberculosis (TB).
What are the risks of the MMR vaccine? The area where the vaccine was given may be red, tender, or swollen. Your child may get a fever, mild rash, or swollen glands in his cheeks or neck. Your child's joints may be painful and swollen. Your child may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. The MMR vaccine may cause a low platelet count, which may lead to internal bleeding. This can be life-threatening. Call 911 for any of the following: - Your child's mouth and throat are swollen.
- Your child is wheezing or has trouble breathing.
- Your child has chest pain or his heart is beating faster than usual.
- Your child feels like he is going to faint.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child's face is red or swollen.
- Your child has hives that spread over his body.
- Your child feels weak or dizzy.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a fever or chills.
- Your child has swollen lymph glands in his cheeks or neck.
- Your child's joints are painful and swollen.
- Your child has increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or the MMR vaccine.
|