The Staggering Success of Vaccines

mumps diarrhea :: Article Creator

MMR Vaccine: What Does It Protect Against Other Than Measles?

As the measles outbreak in Texas spreads, attention is turning to what is commonly called the MMR vaccine.

The vaccine is the only way to prevent measles, but it also prevents other illnesses. The other "M" stands for mumps, and the "R" stands for rubella.

Children can also get an MMRV vaccine, which adds protection against varicella, better known as chickenpox.

In the U.S., the MMR vaccine is given to children in two doses. The first dose, given between 12 months to 15 months of age, is 93% effective in preventing measles infection — a second dose between ages four and six boosts that effectiveness to 97%.

D-FW Public Health Alerts

What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the saliva glands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common signs are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw, but other symptoms, including fever, headache and fatigue, can begin a few days before the swelling.

Most people with mumps recover completely within two weeks, but in rare cases, mumps can cause inflammation of the brain, testicles, ovaries or loss of hearing.

Related:Can you get the measles vaccine while pregnant?What is rubella?

Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also called German measles or three-day measles. In most people, rubella causes mild or no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems for unborn babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy.

Rubella is not the same as measles, but the two illnesses share some signs and symptoms, such as the red rash, the Mayo Clinic explains. Rubella is caused by a different virus than measles, and it is not as infectious or as severe as measles.

A case of measles reported this week in Mexia, about 40 miles east of Waco, was a "false alarm," and was actually rubella, authorities said.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is highly contagious and known for itchy, blister-like spots. The illness usually lasts about four to seven days.

After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can cause shingles later in life. Shingles is a painful, itchy rash that can cause long-term nerve pain or vision loss, depending on the location of the rash.

Measles Confirmed In New York City Infant And Child. Here's How The Virus Can Affect Children.

New York is now among nine states reporting measles cases.

In Texas, the measles have sickened nearly 160 people -- most unvaccinated -- including a child who died. Last week, three cases were reported in Bergen County. New Jersey.

CBS News New York has learned both New York patients -- an infant and a child from New York City -- have since recovered.

Health officials say there is no connection between the cases, which speaks to how quickly it can spread.

"One infected person can infect 15 other people," said Dr. Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Maimonides Health.

How measles can affect children

Measles is not only a highly contagious virus, it can cause serious health complications, especially in children.

Kojaoghlanian said she saw it first hand during New York City's outbreak in 2019. While working at a different hospital, she treated an infected child.

"The patient was very sick, needed hospitalization for seven days, developed severe diarrhea, which is a complication of measles and we had to give him antibiotics because he developed pneumonia, which is another complication of measles," Kojaoghlanian said. "It is a very serious and dangerous illness which is 100% preventable by at least one if not two doses of vaccine."

Why doctors say getting the MMR vaccine is important

The first dose of the measles mumps rubella vaccine, or MMR, which has been used for decades, is typically given at 12 months, the second, between 4 to 6 years.

The New York State Department of Health says vaccination rates statewide continue to fall below the level that is necessary to protect communities, adding 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

Vaccination rates among 2-year-olds in the state are at 81%.

As for the two New York City cases, Dr. Julian Watkins, an assistant commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said, "One of the patients is an infant, and so wasn't eligible to get their first vaccine, which is an important reminder for folks that there are vulnerable populations such as those unvaccinated infants."

"Really, community care and looking out for each other, and knowing that we have a responsibility to each other, feels an important part of the conversation, as well. The proof is in the numbers, and we see the evidence of how these vaccines are effective," Watkins added.

Measles, Mumps, And Rubella

What are Measles, Mumps, and Rubella? Measles

Measles is a virus that can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. Measles is spread from person to person through airborne droplets and is very contagious.

Mumps

Mumps is a virus that can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and death. Mumps is spread from person to person through airborne droplets.

Rubella

Rubella is a virus that is very dangerous to the developing baby in pregnant women. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby may be born with serious birth defects. Rubella is spread from person to person through airborne droplets.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine (MMR)

The MMR vaccine provides immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. Some adults may need to get the MMR vaccine. Generally, anyone 18 years of age or older, who was born after 1956, should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, unless they can prove that they have had either the vaccine or the diseases. MMR may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

CWRU Admission Requirements

Completion of the MMR Vaccine series (2 MMR Vaccines)

1 MMR Vaccine with the second dose after age 5, or upon entrance to college

Proof that you have had the MMR vaccine OR documentation by a health professional of having had any of the diseases(a blood test can be performed to determine if you have had measles, mumps, or rubella)

Who Should NOT get the MMR Vaccine?

Those who have ever had a life threatening reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of the MMR vaccine

People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled

Pregnant women (women should not get pregnant for 3 months after receiving the vaccine)

Check with Your Doctor Before Getting the Vaccine If You:

Have HIV/AIDS, or another disease affecting the immune system

Are being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer

Have any kind of cancer

Are receiving cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

Have ever had a low platelet count

Have recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products

Where Can I Get the Vaccine?

UHCS offers the MMR vaccine. Pricing can be found on the price list page.

Search This Blog

Mumps