Measles Vaccine

Measles Vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It protects the child from diseases that can be caused by measles. Measles may cause serious consequences such as seizures (often associated with fever), ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia and rarely brain damage or even death.

Like with any other injectable vaccine, there could be mild pain and redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, rash, and upper respiratory tract infection. These are usually temporary and resolve with time. However, if these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.

To make sure the vaccine is safe for the child, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if he/she has any problems with the heart, liver, or kidneys. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines the child is taking.

Prevention of Measles

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Measles Vaccine is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.

If you miss a dose of Measles Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

Measles Vaccine is given by a doctor or nurse to prevent measles in children.

Your child might experience mild fever, and pain at the injection site which is normal and will go on its own.

Inform the doctor if your child is already suffering from fever before taking Measles Vaccine.

Inform the doctor if your child has a history of allergy or is allergic to the measles virus vaccine or any of its ingredients.

Always follow your child doctor’s advice regarding vaccination schedules. 

Q. What is Measles Vaccine used for?

Measles Vaccine is used for active immunization for measles, a highly contagious infection caused by a virus that can be prevented effectively by getting vaccinated.

Q. How effective is Measles Vaccine?

Measles Vaccine is considered to be highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of Measles Vaccine give 97% protection while a single dose gives 93% protection against the infectious disease.

Q. Is Measles Vaccine live or inactivated?

Measles Vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. It contains a weakened virus that helps stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the actual infection causing virus. This helps protect the individual from getting infected in future, if exposed.

Q. How long does it take Measles Vaccine to work?

Measles Vaccine starts working within a few days after getting vaccinated. Antibodies start producing within a few days but complete protection may be expected only after 2 or 3 weeks of getting Measles Vaccine.

Q. I need to travel abroad. When should I get vaccinated with Measles Vaccine?

If you are travelling abroad, you must get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before your actual travel dates. This is because the antibodies ensure complete protection only after 2 or 3 weeks of getting vaccinated. So, make sure you plan on getting Measles Vaccine accordingly.

Q. Can I get measles even if I am fully vaccinated?

Yes, there are rare case scenarios where even vaccinated people got measles. But, the possibility of still getting infected is extremely low, and moreover, vaccinated individuals who get infected have very mild symptoms as compared to non-vaccinated individuals. Also, if you have received both the doses of Measles Vaccine, there are very less chances of you infecting other people, including those who are not vaccinated due to low immunity or age factor.

In Prevention of Measles

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles can be prevented by Measles Vaccine. It is very safe and effective. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against measles. Measles Vaccine is a routine vaccination that children should receive. Consult your doctor to get it administered as an injection. It should not be self-administered.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Fever

Rash

Upper respiratory tract infection

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Measles Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Measles Vaccine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Measles Vaccine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Measles Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Measles Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Measles Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Measles Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Measles Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. p. 195.

Measles Vaccine . Uxbridge Middlesex: SmithKline Beecham Limited; 1997 . view

ScienceDirect. Measles Vaccine. view

Measles Vaccine. Merck & Co.; view