India has launched one of the biggest campaigns against Measles and Rubella recently. The campaign aims to vaccinate more than 35 million children in the age group of nine months to 15 years with MR (measles and rubella) vaccine. In India every day, 500 children die because of Measles.

Most vaccines give long-term immunity into adulthood and some may need a booster dose.

Measles virus causes symptoms that can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, similar to an upper respiratory infection and then it is usually followed on the Day 3 or 4 by a rash that covers the whole body. Complications of Measles can be serious ear infections, diarrhea, and infection of the lungs (pneumonia). Rarely, measles can cause brain damage or death.

Mumps is also a viral disease and has similar upper respiratory symptoms like Fever, headache and followed by tender, painful swollen salivary glands. This leads to visible swelling under the ears in one or both sides. Mumps can sometimes lead to deafness, swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering (encephalitis or meningitis), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, very rarely, death.

Rubella is again a viral disease and can cause fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation. It can lead to arthritis and if a pregnant woman gets infected with rubella then it can lead to miscarriage or serious birth defects in the baby

It is essential that you immunize the child to prevent the complications. So don’t forget to vaccinate your child.

When should the child get its first and second dose of MMR?

According to IAP( Indian Academy of Pediatrics) -  MMR is given usually after the completion of 9 months and before 12 months the second dose is given between 16 to 24 months.

Like any vaccines, there is a chance of reactions after MMR vaccine too. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. But, getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella disease. Most people who get MMR vaccine do not have any problems with it.

After MMR vaccination, a child might experience: Soreness, redness or rash at the injection site, Fever, Swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck

If these events happen, they usually begin within 2 weeks after the shot. They occur less often after the second dose.

If you notice, high fever, seizures or any other serious reaction in the child, report to your doctor immediately.