What is the full form of MMR
MMR: Measles Mumps and Rubella
MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. It refers to immunization shot/vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella. In this vaccine, a mixture of three live attenuated viruses is injected via injection. It was first developed by Maurice Hilleman in 1960s. This vaccine helps prevent the following three diseases:
Measles: It is also called rubeola. It is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is a contagious disease. Its initial symptoms include fever, dry cough, rash, runny nose and red or watery eyes. Later, it may cause pneumonia, brain damage or death.
Mumps: It is also a viral infection, caused by a virus. It is a contagious disease as the infected person can transmit its virus to another person through saliva, nasal secretions or close physical contact. It mainly affects the salivary glands. Its initial symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain etc.
Rubella: It is also called German measles or three-day measles. It is a contagious disease, caused by the rubella virus. Its initial symptoms include rash, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes etc.
MMR Vaccine’s Common Side Effects:
- Fever
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mild rash
- Sore arm from the shot
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Nausea and vomiting etc.
The first dose of MMR vaccine is administered to children at the age of one year. The second dose is administered at the age of four or five year to those children who fail to develop immunity after the first dose.