MMR Vaccine – Everything You Need To Know

The MMR vaccine is a preventative measure for measles, mumps and rubella and it has been, wrongly, maligned in recent times. Instances of these diseases have never been lower since the introduction of the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine was first introduced in 1988 and, since then, all three of these diseases have fallen to an all time low. The seriousness of all three diseases means that the MMR vaccine has a very important part to play in the continued well-being of our children and the nation as a whole.

MMR Vaccine – Disease Under The Microscope

The importance of the MMR vaccine really cannot be underplayed as the implications of the diseases that it prevents can be quite severe. The MMR vaccine tackles measles, mumps and rubella and just some of the effects these illnesses can have include:

• Measles – It is important to get the MMR vaccine as measles can cause a number of symptoms such as ear infection, convulsions, bronchitis, brain damage and measles can even be fatal.
• Mumps – Mumps is the main contributor to viral meningitis in children which is why the MMR vaccine needs to be utilised to minimise this risk. Mumps is also linked to instances of temporary deafness, miscarriage and inflammation of the pancreas.
• Rubella – The MMR vaccine is used to tackle the various symptoms associated with rubella which include painful joints, blood clots and swelling of the brain. It can also damage unborn babies if the mother catches the disease whilst pregnant.

MMR Vaccine – When To Administer

The MMR vaccine is normally a two stage process. The main vaccination is given to children at around the 13 month mark and they will receive a booster shot prior to joining school (around 3-5 years of age). The MMR vaccine can also be utilised in cases where pregnant women have a high risk of rubella. This is largely the case as women born before 1988 only received a single dose of the vaccine whereas those after 1988 received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Looking for An MMR Vaccine? CITYDOC Can Help

For a range of vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, London based CITYDOC is ideally located in the City of London for fast and professional service. Based at the junction of City Road and Finsbury Square, CITYDOC is open for walk-in patients or you can book your appointment by contacting the practice now on 0207 256 8668. The clinic offers MMR vaccines to children and adults. If you require an MMR vaccine for your child, contact CITYDOC today.

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