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Vaccines play a pivotal role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases and have saved countless lives throughout the years. Many vaccines have had a large impact on public health and the MMR vaccines stands to protect against three highly infectious diseases: Measles, Mumps and Rubella. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of the MMR vaccine, the efficiency and benefits, and its role in maintaining community immunity. 

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a safe and combines vaccine which protects against three serious illnesses:

• Measles: A highly contagious viral infection which can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.
• Mumps: Mumps is a viral infection which is known for causing painful swelling of the salivary glands. As a result, it can lead to complications like viral meningitis and deafness.
• Rubella: Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is a viral infection that is particularly dangerous during pregnancy and leads to birth defects and developmental issues in the unborn child.

What is the importance of the MMR vaccine?

There are multiple reasons as to why the MMR vaccine is considered important:

• Preventing outbreaks: Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious diseases and before the introduction of the MMR vaccine, widespread outbreaks were often caused, affecting many people.
• Protecting against related conditions: These diseases can lead to other dangerous conditions including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. As a result, it is important to protect against the diseases in the first place so as not to deal with associated conditions.
• Protecting vulnerable populations: Some populations are not able to receive vaccines, therefore, by achieving herd immunity through widespread vaccination, these vulnerable populations, who are at a higher risk of severe complications can be protected.
• Impact on public health: The MMR vaccine has had a profound impact on public health. For example, Measles was declared eliminated in the USA, largely due to the high vaccination rates.

Babies and children are given the vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Two doses are given, one at twelve months old and the second at 40 months old. It is important to catch up on any missed doses.

The MMR vaccine is a vital of occupational health checks and is often a necessity to have in many professions, including healthcare. 

Safety

The MMR vaccine has been shown to be safe through extensive research and monitoring. The vaccine may cause mild soreness at the site and mild effects like s fever. Serious complications are extremely rare.

As a precaution, it isn’t recommended for women to get the vaccine while they are pregnant, women should also avoid getting regnant in the month after getting the vaccine. Evidence suggests that the will be no harm to the baby but its best to take precautions.

This vaccine is also not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, for example people receiving chemotherapy. People with a weakened immune system should discuss with their healthcare provider if its safe for them to get the MMR vaccine. 

It is rare for anybody to be allergic to the MMR vaccine, however if this is the case it usually happens within minutes of receiving the vaccine. Doctors and nurses should be informed if the person receiving the vaccines has an allergic reaction to gelatine or an antibiotic called neomycin.

Efficiency

The MMR vaccine is extremely effective in protecting against Measles, Mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the vaccine, typically given during childhood, have been shown to provide long lasting immunity.

After two doses of the vaccine, 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella, while 88% of people will be protected against mumps. Additionally, those who are vaccinated against mumps but still catch it, are less likely to have serious complicated or need to be admitted to the hospital.

Protection against measles, mumps and rubella typically develops two weeks after having the MMR vaccine.

What are the benefits of MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against measles, mumps and rubella. Not only does it protect individuals potentially serious illnesses but it also contributes to the overall health and safety of communities and vulnerable communities. By ensuring that we are informed of the benefits of vaccination and address misleading information, we can ensure that the MMR vaccine continues to be a vital shield against these preventable diseases. The vaccine is also vital in protecting against conditions that may arise after getting one these dangerous diseases. If individuals are unsure whether or not they had both doses of the vaccine, they should contact their healthcare provider for further information and next steps.