By Stephanie Szylar, former ID Care MSN, APN-C
Vaccines and peace of mind: Understanding the MMR vaccine and its impact on the community
The MMR vaccine protects against three contagious viral illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but it has returned in recent years, mostly in areas with lower vaccination rates.
With current discussions around vaccine safety, it’s understandable that many parents and caregivers have questions. This guide aims to provide clear, evidence-based information about the MMR vaccine and its importance.
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What is the MMR vaccine?
Used since the 1970s, it contains weakened forms of each virus. These aren’t strong enough to cause illness but help the immune system learn how to recognize and fight them. This protection can last a lifetime.
Providing protection against measles, mumps and rubella
Measles is a contagious viral infection spread through direct contact with an infected person. While it typically does not lead to lasting health problems, it can cause severe and sometimes fatal complications – especially in young children under 5 and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Related Reading: Measles, Measles Symptoms and Treatment
Mumps is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person and primarily affects the salivary glands, which can swell at the cheeks and cause pain. Most people who contract mumps recover fully within about two weeks. Because it remains common in many parts of the world, vaccination is the best way to stay protected.
Rubella, better known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by a different virus than the one that causes measles. Rubella produces a rash that typically begins on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. When contracted during pregnancy, rubella can lead to serious health problems in newborns.
Who should get the MMR vaccine (measles vaccine)?
Those who we recommend receive the vaccine include children, adults born after 1957 who haven’t been vaccinated or had the disease, and anyone unsure of their vaccination status. Exceptions include pregnant individuals, those with certain immune conditions or people with severe allergies to vaccine components.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children. The first dose can be administered to children 12-15 months old. The second dose can be given at age 4-6 before the child goes to school, although it can be given earlier but at least 28 days after the first dose.
Adults generally only need one dose of the MMR vaccine. Some adults may need two doses depending on risk factors. Those with evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella do not need the MMR vaccine.
MMR vaccine myth or fact?
Misinformation, myths and misunderstandings about the MMR vaccine abound. This is part of the reason why the U.S. lost measles immunity in 2000. Social media can be a powerful amplifier of misinformation regarding all vaccines.
The MMR vaccine (often called the measles vaccine), has generated much discussion, with myths often confused as facts. Following are some examples.
The MMR vaccine causes autism
Myth. This concern originated from a study from the 1990s that was later found to be fraudulent and subsequently retracted. Since then, many large studies have confirmed there’s no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Leading health organizations, including autism advocacy groups, the CDC and World Health Organization, support MMR vaccination.
Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity
Myth. While it’s true that getting the actual illness can result in immunity, it also comes with serious risks. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and even death. Mumps may lead to hearing loss, sterility or meningitis. Rubella can result in birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
The vaccine allows your body to build what is known as acquired immunity (vaccine-induced) without facing these dangers. Immunity through vaccination is the most effective and safest way to acquire wide-spread immunity (herd immunity), according to the National Library of Medicine.
Related Reading: Vaccines and herd immunity
The measles vaccine contains harmful ingredients like mercury
Myth. Though a common myth, the measles vaccine has never contained mercury, which is a neurotoxin. Vaccines, including MMR, go through strict safety testing. Ingredients like aluminum salts or formaldehyde are used in tiny amounts and serve important roles, such as enhancing the immune response or keeping the vaccine stable. These components are present in levels considered safe by medical experts.
The MMR vaccine does not cause measles
True. The popular myth is that it does cause measles. This is partly due to the fact that the vaccine is made from weakened versions of the live virus. This is known as an attenuated vaccine, which causes the immune system to recognize the virus and fight it.
Because of this immune system reaction, some vaccinated children have mild symptoms like the rash or a fever. This is not a case of the measles, but it is a source for the myth that the vaccine causes measles.
Can we prevent the comeback of measles, mumps and rubella?
Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection, it helps safeguard entire communities. This is especially important for those who can’t be vaccinated, like newborns or those with weakened immune systems.
While measles has made a comeback in the U.S., it is possible to turn that around through vaccination. Measles is more contagious than mumps or rubella: it is considered one of the most contagious diseases. Vaccination is essential in reversing the course of measles in this country.
Mumps cases declined since the Covid pandemic, with only a few hundred cases each year. But outbreaks still occur, emphasizing the continued need for vaccinations. Rubella was declared to be eliminated in the U.S. in 2004, due to vaccination rates. It can still be brought back into the U.S. from other parts of the world where it is still a problem.
The MMR vaccine remains a safe, effective way to prevent dangerous levels of these diseases.