Articles
January 20, 2025

MMR Vaccine: Protection Against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

MMR Vaccine: Protection Against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

MMR vaccine ek combined vaccine hai jo ki three highly contagious diseases- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles) ke against protection deti hai. In sb diseases se severe complications ho skti hai, making the MMR vaccine a cornerstone of childhood immunisation programs worldwide.

Why Is the MMR Vaccine Important?

  • Measles- Iss disease se  pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death jaise complications ho skti hai. World Health Organization (WHO) ke hisab se vaccination ki availability ke baad bhi measles se nearly 140,000 deaths huyi thi in 2018, mostly in children under the age of 5​.
  • Mumps se salivary glands swell ho jati hai and complications hoti hai, jaise ki deafness, meningitis, kuch cases mein infertility in males because of swelling of the testicles (orchitis).
  • Rubella- Children mein yeh generally mild hota hai lekin it’s very risky for pregnant women. If contracted during pregnancy, Rubella can cause severe birth defects such as heart disease, blindness, deafness, and intellectual disabilities in newborns.

MMR Vaccination Schedule (As Recommended by IAP)

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends the following vaccination schedule for MMR:

  • First Dose: Given at 9-12 months of age.
  • Second Dose: Administered at 15-18 months, with a booster typically recommended at 4-6 years of age.

This schedule ensures children develop early immunity to these diseases, which are most dangerous during infancy and childhood.

Global Impact of the MMR Vaccine

Widespread use of the MMR vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella. For example:

  • Measles ke cases dropped significantly because of extensive vaccination.
  • Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome almost eliminate ho chuke hai because of widespread vaccination.
  • Mumps outbreaks bhi decrease hogayi hai in countries where MMR is a part of immunisation schedule.
  • After two doses, 97% of people are protected against measles, 88% against mumps, and at least 97% against rubella.

MMR vaccine immunisation ka ek essential part hai and it should never be taken for granted.

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