Measles, Mumps and Rubella

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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 needle.

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

Who should get the vaccine?

It is routinely given soon after a child’s first birthday. Starting in August 2011, a second dose is given as part of a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) at 4-6 years of age. Some children may have already received their 2nd dose of MMR vaccine at 18 months of age. The vaccine is publicly funded (free) in Ontario. Proof of vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella, or a valid exemption is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario. Adults born prior to 1970 are assumed to have naturally acquired immunity to measles and mumps. Adults born 1970 and later without evidence of immunity for measles and mumps should received one dose of MMR vaccine. A 2nd dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for young adults (18-25 yrs), post secondary students, persons who received killed measles vaccine (1967-1970), health care workers and those who plan to travel internationally. All women of reproductive age should have a least one documented dose of rubella vaccine or evidence of immunity. Women of childbearing age, who are not pregnant, should be vaccinated if needed. Women should avoid pregnancy for three months following MMR vaccination.

How well does the vaccine work?

When given in the recommended schedule this vaccine protects over 99% from measles, over 95% against mumps and about 97% against rubella. No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop one of these diseases after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A health care provider may decide not to give this 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 or 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, hydrolyzed gelatin, sodium bicarbonate, minimum essential medium, potassium phosphate, monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate, phenol red, human albumin, fetal bovine serum, neomycin.

Priorix ® contains: live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella virus, egg protein, MRC-5 human diploid cells, amino acids, lactose, mannitol, neomycin sulphate and sorbitol. This product may contain latex.

• Anyone who is pregnant.
• Anyone with blood disorders or cancers affecting the bone marrow, blood or lymphatic system.
• Anyone with active untreated tuberculosis.
• Anyone with an impaired immune response.
• Anyone who recently received any blood product.
• Anyone who received a live vaccine in the last month.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given. Approximately 5% of those who receive this vaccine will develop a fever and/or rash 7 to 12 days after being immunized. The rash is not contagious and disappears in a few days. 1 in 30,000 people may develop a blood disorder called thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count, which are important for blood clotting) in the months after immunization. It is usually a mild case and goes away on it’s own with no long term effects. A very small number of people may experience joint pain and swelling starting one to three weeks after the vaccine. This usually lasts only a few days and 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 provider.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization 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.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

If you are exposed to these diseases 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 or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40°C or 104F)
• 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, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place. The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.