Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The MMR vaccine protects against infection by measles, mumps and rubella in one vaccine.

What is measles?

Measles is a serious illness caused by a virus. It is the most contagious vaccine preventable disease. Measles spreads very easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking. Symptoms may begin with fever, runny nose, cough, and red eyes. A few days later a red rash appears around the face and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. Measles can lead to ear infections and pneumonia. It can also cause a swelling of the brain called encephalitis. Encephalitis is very dangerous and can lead to seizures, deafness, mental disabilities and death.

What is mumps?

Mumps is caused by a virus. Mumps spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking. It can also be spread through contact with the saliva of an infected person.

Mum ps can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the salivary glands located along and underneath the jaw bone. Mumps can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and deafness. Mumps can also cause very painful, swollen testicles in about one out of four teenage boys or adult men and a painful infection of the ovaries in one out of 20 women. Both of these conditions are temporary and rarely cause damage or sterility.

What is rubella?

Rubella (also called “German measles”) is caused by a virus. Rubella is usually a mild illness in children but can be more severe in teenagers and adults. Rubella can cause a low fever and mild cold symptoms. A rash may follow and the glands in the neck may become swollen. Temporary aches and pains and swelling of the joints are common in teens and adults. Rubella can be followed by chronic arthritis. It can also cause temporary blood clotting problems and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Rubella can be very dangerous to pregnant women. If a woman gets rubella in the early part of her pregnancy, (first 20 weeks) her baby may be born with birth defects. These birth defects may include heart disease, cataracts, deafness and mental disabilities.

Rubella i s spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing . It can also be spread by contact with the saliva of an infected person.

Who should get the vaccine?

It should be given soon after a child’s first birthday and again at 18 months of age. The vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Proof of vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella, or a valid exemption is required by law for all children attending daycare or school in Ontario.

Adults who are not protected against measles, mumps and rubella should also get the vaccine. Women of childbearing age, who are not pregnant, should be vaccinated if living in an area of high risk. Medical personnel and international travellers who have not received the vaccine or had the illness should be vaccinated.

How well does the vaccine work?

When given in the recommended number of doses the vaccine protects about 99 per cent of people from measles, about 95 per cent of people against mumps and about 98 per cent of people against rubella. No vaccine is 100 per cent effective, however, those who become ill with measles, mumps, or rubella, and have received the vaccine, experience a much milder form of the illness.

Who should not get this vaccine?

• A health care provider may decide not to give the vaccine to:
• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past.
• Anyone who is allergic to any component of the vaccine: M-M-R ® II contains: live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella virus, chicken embryo cell culture, sorbitol, sodium phosphate, sucrose, sodium chloride, hydrolyzed gelatin, human albumin, fetal bovine serum, neomycin. Priorix ® contains: live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella virus, chick embryo cells, MRC-5 human diploid cells, amino acids, lactose, mannitol, neomycin sulphate, sorbitol
• Anyone who is pregnant. This vaccine should not be given during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy for one month following vaccination.
• Individuals with blood disorders such as, leukemia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems.
• Anyone with active untreated tuberculosis.
• Anyone with impaired immune response.
• Anyone having recently received any blood products.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. After getting the vaccine fever, some soreness and redness and/or swelling at the injection site may develop.

Very rarely, a rash five to 12 days after receiving the MMR vaccine may develop. The rash is not contagious and will disappear within a few days.

There have been rare reports of nervous system disorders, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a disease affecting the nerves, following an illness with fever.

Rarely people may experience joint pain and swelling starting one to three weeks after the vaccine. The joint pain and swelling usually lasts only a few days. Very rarely, long lasting joint pain may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care professional.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age. If symptoms worsen or continue please seek medical attention and notify the health unit.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

If you are exposed to this disease there may be treatment available. If you become ill, you may develop immunity.

Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.

When should I seek medical attention?

C all your health care provider or go to the nearest hospital if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40 ° C or 104 ° F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, make sure that you update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.

Call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8807 to update your child’s school immunization record. A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request.