Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Unraveling the Uses, Administration, Safety and Efficacy of MMR Vaccines

Xavier Castaneda^* Department of Public Health, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
^*Correspondence: Xavier Castaneda, Department of Public Health, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand, Email:

Received: 22-Dec-2023, Manuscript No. JVV-24-25004; Editor assigned: 25-Dec-2023, Pre QC No. JVV-24-25004 (PQ); Reviewed: 05-Jan-2024, QC No. JVV-24-25004; Revised: 12-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. JVV-24-25004 (R); Published: 19-Jan-2024, DOI: 10.35248/2157-7560.23.15.554

Description

The MMR vaccine stands as a cornerstone of modern immunization programs, offering protection against three highly contagious viral infections: Measles, mumps, and rubella. This combined vaccine has played a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of these diseases and their associated complications, highlighting the importance of vaccination in public health initiatives. Understanding the science, history, and significance of MMR vaccines is crucial for promoting vaccine acceptance and mitigating the resurgence of preventable infectious diseases [1].

Measles, caused by the Measles Virus (MeV), is a highly contagious respiratory infection characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. Complications of measles can range from mild, such as diarrhea and otitis media, to severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, measles was a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide [2].

The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated measles virus strains, which stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against measles. By inducing immunity without causing illness, the MMR vaccine prevents measles infection and its associated complications. Vaccination against measles has been instrumental in reducing measles-related deaths globally and achieving measles elimination in several regions [3].

The MMR vaccine also contains live attenuated mumps virus strains, providing immunity against mumps infection. By vaccinating against mumps, the MMR vaccine prevents the spread of the virus within communities and reduces the risk of mumps-related complications. High vaccination coverage is essential for achieving herd immunity and preventing mumps outbreaks in susceptible populations [4,5]. Rubella, caused by the Rubella Virus (RuV), is characterized by a mild rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy. While rubella infection is typically mild in children and adults, it can have serious consequences if contracted during pregnancy, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or a range of birth defects, including deafness, blindness, and heart abnormalities [6].

The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated rubella virus strains, which confer immunity against rubella infection. Vaccination against rubella is crucial for preventing CRS and protecting pregnant women and their unborn children from the devastating consequences of rubella infection. Achieving high vaccination coverage rates is essential for maintaining rubella elimination and preventing the resurgence of this preventable disease [7,8]. The MMR vaccine is generally safe and welltolerated, with the most common side effects being mild and transient, such as soreness at the injection site, fever, or rash. Serious adverse reactions to the MMR vaccine are rare but can occur in rare instances [9].

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella infections. High vaccination coverage rates within communities are essential for achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable individuals who may be unable to receive vaccines due to medical contraindications [10].

Conclusion

The MMR vaccine represents a significant achievement in public health, offering protection against three serious viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. By providing individual immunity and contributing to community-wide disease control efforts, the MMR vaccine plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of populations worldwide. Understanding the science, history, and importance of MMR vaccines is essential for promoting vaccination uptake and achieving optimal protection against these preventable infectious diseases. Continued efforts to educate the public, address vaccine hesitancy, and ensure equitable access to vaccination are essential for maintaining the success of MMR immunization programs and preventing the resurgence of measles, mumps, and rubella.

References

1. Lawson DH, Sherman V, Hollowell J. The General Practice Research Database. Scientific and Ethical Advisory Group. QJM. 1998;91(6):445-452.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Miller E, Waight P, Farrington P, Andrews N, Stowe J, Taylor B. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and MMR vaccine. Arch Dis Child. 2001;84(3):227-229.

   [Google Scholar]

3. Chang SK, Farrell DL, Dougan K, Kobayashi B. Acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura following combined vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. J Am Board Fam Pract 1996; 9(1): 53-55.

   [Google Scholar]

4. Valcha V, Forman E, Miron D, Georges P. Recurrent throbocytopenic purpura after repeated measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. Pediatrics. 1996;97(5):738-739.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

5. Ronchi F, Cecchi P, Falcioni F, Marsciani A, Minak G, Muratori G, et al. Thrombicytopenic purpura as adverse reaction to recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. Arch Dis Child. 1998;78(3):273-274.

   [Google Scholar]

6. Jones K, Fasher B, Hanson R, M Burgess, D Isaacs, P Joshi, et al. Immunisation status of casualty attenders: Risk factors for non-compliance and attitudes to ‘on the spot’ immunisation. J Paediatr Child Health. 1992;28(6):451-454.

   [Google Scholar]

7. Hutchins SS, Escolan J, Markowitz LE, Hawkins C, Kimbler A, Morgan RA, et al. Measles outbreak among unvaccinated preschool-aged children: Opportunities missed by health care providers to administer measles vaccine. Pediatrics. 1989;83(3):369-374.

   [Google Scholar]

8. Pearce A, Marshall H, Bedford H, Lynch J. Barriers to childhood immunisation: Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Vaccine. 2015;33(29):3377-3383.

   [Google Scholar]

9. Umino Y, Saito S, Fukuda A, Hishiyama M, Sugiura A. Improvement in potency assay of measles-mumps-rubella trivalent vaccine: interference between components and measures for its elimination. J Virol Methods. 1990;27(2):159-168.

   [Google Scholar]

10. Vermeulen I, Weets I, Asanghanwa M, Ruige J, Van Gaal L, Mathieu C, et al. Belgian Diabetes Registry. Contribution of antibodies against IA-2beta and zinc transporter 8 to classification of diabetes diagnosed under 40 years of age. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(8):1760-1765.

    [Google Scholar]