What is the MMR VaccinationMMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella and is often referred to as the triple vaccine. Children receive a single injection of the MMR vaccine at around 13 months, with another dose given at three years and four to five months old and your child needs two doses. Dr Ramsay, a consultant epidemiologist, says "Anyone who has not had two doses could be at risk of this serious infection." The MMR protects against three diseases;
The vaccine contains mild traces of live measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Children are vaccinated at thirteen months, with a booster vaccination given at around the age of four. The first vaccination is given after your baby's first birthday as this is the time when the natural immunity acquired from pregnancy and nursing begins to fade. Unfortunately, the first dose does not work for all children. Because of this a second dose is given between three and four years old to protect those children who did not respond to the first vaccination. Children who do respond to the first dose, will get a boost of antibodies when they have the second dose. The vaccine is given by injection into a muscle, usually in baby's thigh or the top of his arm. Side effectsThere has been much said about the link with the MMR and autism, and numerous studies have all failed to find a conclusive link. Most recently, a joint study by the Health Protection Agency, Guys Hospital and Manchester University, found no link between MMR and autism. However, the three components of the vaccine may have some side effects, occurring at different times.
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