Negative Effects of Measles Vaccination
The MMR vaccine is utilized to protect against three distinct diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. It is considered to be extremely safe, typically presenting minimal serious side effects. However, in certain instances, individuals may experience mild and short-lived adverse effects following vaccination. Below is an overview of some potential negative effects associated with this vaccine:
Side Effects
Due to the presence of three different vaccines within the MMR formulation, a variety of symptoms may occur. Nonetheless, the likelihood of experiencing these symptoms is generally lower after the second dose compared to the first. The following are possible side effects:
- Measles Symptoms: Some children may show signs of measles up to 11 days post-vaccination. These symptoms are usually very mild and may include fever, a rash, loss of appetite, and general fatigue.
- Mumps Symptoms: Rarely, symptoms can manifest 3-4 weeks after vaccination, which may involve swelling of the glands located in the cheeks, jaw, and neck. These symptoms typically last for one or two days.
- Rubella Symptoms: Some women may experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in their joints following administration of the rubella component of the MMR vaccine. These symptoms are likely to emerge about three weeks post-vaccination and can last for approximately three days.
Health Complications
In a very small number of cases, the MMR vaccine may lead to serious complications, including:
- Allergic Shock: Known as anaphylaxis, this rare but severe allergic reaction can present with hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue. Symptoms generally arise within minutes following vaccination, hence it is advisable to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes post-vaccination.
- Febrile Seizures: These seizures may occur due to high fevers and are estimated to affect approximately one in every three thousand children vaccinated with MMR.
- Thrombocytopenia: This rare condition, characterized by a temporary decrease in platelets, occurs infrequently.
- Encephalitis: This exceedingly rare complication occurs in about one in every million individuals vaccinated.
Positive Effects of Measles Vaccination
Both measles and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that can lead to serious health complications, potentially endangering a child’s life or a fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate doses of the MMR vaccine and adhere to medical advice to prevent infection.