The MMR vaccine is relied upon by parents everywhere to keep their children healthy and protected from measles, mumps and rubella. It has been administered for a quarter of a century now, and during this period the number cases involving the above conditions have fallen dramatically. If measles, mumps and rubella are left untreated, serious health compromises can come into play, such as meningitis and deafness. If a pregnant woman falls prey to these conditions, they results can be so serious that miscarriages can occur.
Ask your GP
The MMR vaccine can be given to children within a month of their first birthday. A booster dose is usually administered a couple of years later before the start of primary school. Because the vaccination was only introduced in 1988, there are potentially scores of people that may not have been vaccinated against measles, mumps or rubella. Generally, a vaccination is likely to have taken place in most instances on the suggestion of a doctor, but the fact remains that there are still many who have not been vaccinated, with those thinking about becoming pregnant being in particular need of the vaccine. Some people may have only been vaccinated against measles and/or rubella, so if you’re confused about which vaccinations you’ve been given, it may be important to arrange a vaccination through your GP to protect you against all the relevant infections.
Defence via antibodies
The MMR vaccine actually works by providing patients with tiny, safe amounts of measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine then coerces the body into producing antibodies that will fight the conditions, meaning that if measles, mumps and rubella do strike, the resulting antibodies can fight them efficiently and quickly. There was some controversy linking the MMR vaccine to autism, but these claims have been proven to be incorrect since. Any side effects resulting from the MMR vaccine are generally mild and far less dangerous than the actual realities of the diseases that the injections are used to prevent. If you or your child have yet to undergo the MMR vaccine, it may be essential that you take action at the earliest opportunity.
The Children’s Immunisation Centre has an unblemished safety record in administering the MMR vaccine. To learn more about MMR and their work pay a visit to www.childrensimmunisation.com.