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Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is a live attenuated combination vaccine indicated for active immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Forms:IM/SC Injection

About Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

Indications of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is a live attenuated combination vaccine indicated for active immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Established / Guideline-Supported Uses

  • Routine childhood immunization: Part of the standard national and WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedule for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella infection in infants and children.
  • Catch-up immunization: For children, adolescents, and adults who have not received the recommended two-dose series and who are not known to be immune.
  • Susceptible adults: Including women of childbearing age (when not pregnant), healthcare workers, international travelers, and college/institutional entrants without documented immunity or prior vaccination.
  • Outbreak control and post-exposure prophylaxis: Administration within 72 hours of measles exposure may prevent or modify disease in susceptible individuals, as guided by public health authorities.

Not Indicated / Off-label Notes

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is not used to treat active measles, mumps, or rubella infection; it is a preventive (prophylactic) vaccine only. It is not recommended for use outside the age and immune-status criteria established by national immunization guidelines without physician assessment.

Dosage & Administration of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

Immunization Schedule

PopulationSchedule
Children (routine)First dose at 12-15 months of age; second dose at 4-6 years of age (may be given earlier than 4 years if at least 4 weeks have elapsed since the first dose and both doses are age-appropriate).
Infants 6-11 months (e.g., prior to international travel or during an outbreak)One early dose may be given, but this dose is not counted toward the routine 2-dose series; the child must still receive the routine doses at the recommended ages.
Older children/adolescents/adults without evidence of immunityTwo doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR], at least 4 weeks apart.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (measles)A dose given within 72 hours of exposure may provide protection or modify disease severity in eligible susceptible individuals, per physician/public-health guidance.

Dose

Each dose is 0.5 mL of the reconstituted vaccine, administered subcutaneously, preferably into the outer aspect of the upper arm (or the anterolateral thigh in younger infants).

Administration Notes

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] must be reconstituted only with the diluent supplied by the manufacturer, used promptly, and given by subcutaneous (not intramuscular or intravenous) injection. It may be co-administered with other live or inactivated vaccines at separate injection sites; if not given on the same day as another live injectable vaccine, doses should be separated by at least 4 weeks.

Side Effects of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

The following side effects have been reported with Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR], most of which are mild and self-limiting.

Common (Usually Mild and Self-Limiting)

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Low-grade to moderate fever, typically occurring 5-12 days after vaccination
  • Mild measles-like rash, usually appearing 7-14 days post-vaccination
  • Transient joint pain/stiffness (arthralgia), more common in adolescent and adult women (rubella component)
  • Mild swelling of the parotid or salivary glands (mumps component)
  • Irritability, malaise

Less Common / Rare

  • Febrile seizures (usually benign, associated with the post-vaccination fever)
  • Transient thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Rare hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis (see Contraindications)
  • Very rare reports of encephalitis/encephalopathy, far less frequent than with natural measles infection

Contraindications of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

Absolute Contraindications

  • Known severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a prior dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] or to any component of the vaccine, including neomycin or gelatin.
  • Pregnancy — Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is a live vaccine and must not be given to pregnant women; pregnancy should be avoided for at least 1 month following vaccination.
  • Known severe immunodeficiency, including severe primary immunodeficiency, untreated advanced/symptomatic HIV infection with severe immunosuppression, active leukemia/lymphoma or other malignancy affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, and immunosuppression due to high-dose corticosteroid therapy, chemotherapy, or other immunosuppressive/biologic treatment.
  • Family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, unless the immune competence of the potential vaccine recipient has been demonstrated.

Note: Moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever) is a temporary precaution requiring deferral of vaccination, not a true absolute contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions about Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]

What is Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] used for?

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella by stimulating the body's immune system to develop protective immunity against all three viruses. It is given as part of routine childhood immunization and to susceptible adolescents and adults.

How many doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] are needed?

Most people need two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] for full protection: the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age, with at least 4 weeks between doses. Older children, adolescents, or adults without evidence of immunity also need two doses, 4 weeks apart.

Can Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] be given during pregnancy?

No. Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for at least 1 month after receiving Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]. If pregnancy occurs shortly before or after vaccination, consult a physician promptly, though this is not by itself an indication to end the pregnancy.

What are the common side effects of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]?

Common side effects of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and a faint rash occurring one to two weeks after vaccination. Joint aches are more common in adolescent and adult women, and mild salivary gland swelling can occur. Most reactions are mild and resolve on their own.

Who should not receive Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]?

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] should not be given to individuals who are pregnant, who have a severe allergy to a previous dose or to a vaccine component (such as neomycin or gelatin), or who have severe immunodeficiency (for example, untreated advanced HIV infection, active leukemia/lymphoma, or high-dose immunosuppressive therapy). Vaccination should also be postponed during moderate or severe acute illness.

Is it safe to breastfeed after receiving Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR]?

Yes. Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine [MMR] is not considered contraindicated during breastfeeding. While the rubella component may occasionally pass into breast milk in small amounts, this has not been shown to cause significant illness in breastfeeding infants.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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