The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
Immunization Schedule: MMR vaccinations are given by injection in 2 doses:
At age 12–15 months
At age 4–6 years
During a mumps outbreak, children older than one year of age who are in close contact with infected individuals should receive another dose of the vaccine, regardless of how many doses they have already had. Your child’s doctor will advise if this is necessary.
Why Is the Vaccine Recommended?
Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to serious health problems. More than 95% of children receiving the MMR vaccine will be protected from these three diseases throughout their lives.
Possible Risks: Serious problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare. Potential mild to moderate reactions include rash, fever, swollen cheeks, febrile seizures, and mild joint pain.
Routine Vaccination:
Minimum age:Â 9 months or 270 completed days.
Administer the first dose of the MMR vaccine at age 9 to 12 months, the second dose at age 15 through 18 months, and the final (3rd) dose at age 4 through 6 years.
The 2nd dose should follow in the second year of life, but it can be given at any time 4-8 weeks after the first dose.
There is no need to administer a stand-alone measles vaccine.
Catch-up Vaccination:
Ensure that all school-aged children and adolescents have had at least two doses of the MMR vaccine (3 doses if the first dose was received before 12 months).
The minimum interval between the 2 doses is 4 weeks.
One dose is recommended if previously vaccinated with one dose (2 doses if the first dose was received before 12 months).
A ‘stand-alone’ measles vaccine or any measles-containing vaccine (like MMR) can be administered to infants aged 6 through 8 months during outbreaks. However, this dose should not be counted as part of the routine MMR vaccination series.
What is Yellow Fever? Yellow fever is a serious viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus is endemic in parts of Africa and South America. While it does not occur naturally in India, people traveling to or from affected regions may be at risk of contracting the disease.
BCG Vaccine – Overview What Is the BCG Vaccine? Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is primarily used to protect against Tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis vaccination for children is an important decision, as they are particularly vulnerable to the disease. The BCG vaccine is the only one of its kind to offer protection against TB and is currently a part of the immunization
Rabies Disease and Vaccination What Is Rabies? Rabies is a rare but serious disease caused by the rabies virus. It affects the nerves and the brain. The virus is usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. Rabies can be prevented if the bitten person gets treatment quickly. If a person is not treated and develops rabies, it is
Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine Hepatitis B virus affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems, such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver. Immunization Schedule Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) usually is given as a series of three injections: If the mother of a newborn carries the hepatitis
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTP) What is DTP? D” stands for Diphtheria, “T” stands for Tetanus, and “P” stands for Pertussis. These three are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and Pertussis are spread from one person to another, while Tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds, which may not appear dangerous and are often unnoticed or neglected. What
Chickenpox – An OverviewChickenpox is a viral skin infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most people regard chickenpox as a mild disease, but it is highly contagious and can spread quickly. Therefore, it is better to get vaccinated to prevent possible complications. Chickenpox may appear 10 to 21 days after contracting the viral infection and usually lasts for about ten
