MMR Immunizations

MMR vaccination is best administered when your child is between 12 – 13 months old. There is also the need to have a follow up booster at pre-school. MMR simply stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella and is a vaccination that prevents your baby from these three diseases. All the three disease are viral in nature and the combination in the MMR immunization helps to increase the chances of your baby growing without any of them.

 The problem with many mothers is that they find the vaccination unnecessary because they feel their children have already contracted and treated for these three diseases but even in such cases, it is imperative that they get the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccination is normally administered in two doses. The first dose is administered between 12 – 13 months and the second one which is actually the booster of the first one is done when your child is getting into pre-school. MMR vaccines can be given at any age but it is widely advised by doctors that your child is vaccinated between 0-2 years latest.

 Side effects of the immunization are there but they can be easily handled. Some of the common side effects of the MMR vaccination are faint rashes that develop on your child’s skin 7 -10 days after the vaccination. There can be a mild fever and also in rare cases there will be some marginal swelling of your child’s face. It is important to note however that you should never get an MMR vaccine or booster if you are pregnant.