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The text is presented for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor. Recommended reading: “Why not self-medicate?”.

Measles vaccination is the best preventive measure that can protect against a serious infectious disease.

Many unvaccinated adults also suffer from childhood illness. You can get infected by airborne droplets through contact with a carrier of the disease or a sick person. Sometimes a person may not know they have measles because the incubation period is about 2 weeks.

The onset of the disease can be easily confused with SARS or influenza. There are catarrhal phenomena, the temperature rises, conjunctivitis may develop. Then puffiness of the face, spots on the oral mucosa join, and a rash usually occurs by the third day.

The appearance of spots on the oral mucosa is a hallmark of measles (Filatov-Koplik spots on the inside of the cheeks and enanthema on the pharyngeal mucosa). A skin rash is characterized by a consistent appearance and disappearance in different parts of the body. First, the rashes are localized on the head, face, neck, then descend on the trunk. Within 3 days they disappear in the same sequence as they appeared.

Treatment is symptomatic. Antiviral therapy has not been developed.

Danger of measles for adults

In adulthood, measles is very difficult. The disease dramatically reduces the patient’s immunity, causing complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis, keratitis, eustachitis.

All complications can lead to unpredictable consequences, but the most dangerous are meningoencephalitis, which affects the nervous system, and encephalitis, which is fatal in a quarter of all cases of its occurrence.

Vaccination is the only way to protect yourself from measles and not get it in childhood and adulthood.

When and how is the measles vaccine given?

Adults are vaccinated against measles according to the schedule approved in a particular country. Until the age of 35, every person is entitled to free vaccination, provided that he has not been sick and has never been vaccinated against measles. Also, regardless of age, measles free vaccination is mandatory for persons who have been in contact with infected people, but who have not previously been ill and not vaccinated.

If a person received only one vaccination in childhood, he is vaccinated in the same way as an adult who has never been vaccinated against this disease – twice with a three-month interval between injections. The immunity obtained in this way is resistant to the virus for 12 years.

The measles vaccine is given to adults under the skin or intramuscularly in the upper third of the upper arm. Due to the pronounced fat layer, the vaccine is not administered to the gluteal muscles, as well as to any other parts of the body that are prone to the formation of seals.

Travel Recommendations

If you want to travel the world, doctors recommend that you be sure to find out about the epidemiological situation in a particular country. In the past 5 years, measles epidemics have been alternately reported in Germany, Turkey, Singapore, Thailand, Italy. Before visiting other countries, you can urgently get vaccinated at least a month before the expected date of travel.

Measles vaccination rules

The vaccination scheme involves the first vaccination to be given to a child between the ages of one and one and a half years, but in countries with an increased threshold for morbidity, children can be vaccinated from 6 months.

The second dose of the vaccine is administered to consolidate the result of the first, to develop additional immunity in case of its insufficient formation and in the case when the first vaccination was missed for some reason.

The timing of measles vaccinations coincides with those for rubella and mumps. That is why sometimes these vaccinations are carried out in a complex way, protecting children with one drug from three serious infections at once.

The effect of the vaccine

Vaccination against measles creates immunity against this disease for 20 years. However, at the age of six, there is a need for revaccination, since some children were insensitive to the virus introduced at the age of one, some have weakened immunity against measles, therefore, for more reliable protection, children are vaccinated twice.

During the third vaccination, which usually occurs during adolescence at 15-17 years old, people most often receive a multi-component vaccine, because on the eve of childbearing age, girls and boys need protection against rubella and mumps, and the anti-measles component simply enhances already formed protection.

Types of measles vaccines

Several types of measles vaccines are available today. All of them are divided into monovaccines, aimed at fighting only measles, and combined vaccines, which help protect the body from other severe viruses at the same time.

Monovaccines registered and used in Russia include:

1. Dry measles vaccine (Russia);
2. Vaccine Rouvax (Aventis Pasteur).

Among the combined vaccines (multicomponent) vaccines, there are:

1. Russian mumps-measles vaccine.
2. Three-component American vaccine MMP II.
3. Three-component Belgian vaccine Priorix.

Multicomponent vaccines that simultaneously protect against measles, mumps and rubella can only be purchased independently at vaccination centers or pharmacies. Russian anti-measles monovaccines are available in regular clinics.

It is important to remember that single-component vaccines are administered exclusively in the area of ​​the shoulder or shoulder blade, while foreign multi-component preparations can also be administered intramuscularly according to the instructions.

Anyone can choose vaccines for themselves or their child. Most often, however, multicomponent vaccines, which are not supplied by the Ministry of Health, are self-purchased.

Monovaccines (measles component only)

ZHKV (live measles vaccine)

Domestically produced live measles monovaccine is an effective means of protection against measles already on the 28th day after the injection. Over the next 18 years, a person can be calm for their immunity against this infection.

Among the main contraindications of such a monovaccine, doctors call exacerbation of chronic diseases, acute viral and bacterial infections, oncological diseases, HIV, and allergic reactions to the components of the drug. for injection. Also, you can not use ZhKV together with immunoglobulin and sera.

Rouvax (Aventis Pasteur, France)

The French-made monovaccine Ruvax helps prevent measles infection as early as 2 weeks after vaccination. The effect of vaccination lasts for 20 years. Doctors recommend Ruvax when vaccinating newborns, in conditions of an increased epidemiological situation, or in other cases of vaccination under the age of 1 year. Contraindications for Ruvax vaccination are the same as for ZhKV, additionally Ruvax cannot be used for those who undergo radiation, corticosteroid therapy, and use cytostatics.

Combined vaccines

MMR II (measles, rubella, mumps)

The American vaccine against three serious MMP-II infections has proven itself very well in modern immunological practice. It can be given at the same time as DTP, DTP, polio or varicella vaccine, provided that each injection is given to a different part of the body.

Among the main contraindications for MMP-II injection, doctors distinguish pregnancy, HIV, exacerbation of various chronic diseases, allergies to neomycin and egg protein.

Priorix (measles, rubella, mumps)

The second popular vaccine against the triple infectious threat is Priorix, produced by the same pharmaceutical company as the famous DPT – Infanrix. The degree of purification of the vaccines of this company is very high, due to which the reaction to vaccination is less pronounced.

Contraindications for the administration of Priorix are exactly the same as for MMP-II, in addition, this vaccine cannot be administered in neomycin contact dermatitis and acute phases of stomach diseases.

Mumps-measles vaccine (Russia)

The two-component Russian mumps-measles vaccine is administered to people, according to the approved vaccination schedule, at 1 and 6 years of age, and then during revaccinations of adults.

The main contraindications for the use of such a two-component vaccine, doctors include:

• periods of pregnancy and lactation;
• anaphylactic shock, allergy;
• oncological diseases;
• severe reactions and complications from previous use of this vaccine;
• various diseases in the acute stage.

Measles-rubella vaccine

The Russian two-component vaccine against measles and rubella is completely similar to the mumps-measles vaccine. It is important to remember that when using two-component vaccines, you also need to purchase a monovaccine with the missing protection component for full immunity against common viral infections.

General rules for parents

On the eve of any intended vaccination, the child must be protected from third-party contacts in order to avoid infection with any infections. In addition, it is not recommended to supercool the child, irradiate in the sun, as well as overheat or acclimatize before vaccinations. The immune system reacts very sharply to any stress, which is all of the above effects, and vaccination is also one of the stress factors for immunity. With a combination of stress reactions, a malfunction in the work of antibody production and a violation of the production of the desired immunity are possible.

Vaccination of children according to the vaccination schedule

In order to avoid all sorts of complications, pathology of the nervous system, as well as other serious consequences of measles, all children must be vaccinated against measles, according to the vaccination schedule in force in the area. Currently, the minimum age for a measles vaccine is 9 months, because until then the infant must be protected by maternal antibodies. Yes, and the immunity of the newborn is weak enough to transfer the vaccination and form the necessary antibodies. Even at the age of 9 months, with the introduction of the measles vaccine, immunity occurs only in 90% of children. With the introduction of such a vaccine at 12 months, immunity is formed in almost all vaccinated.

Thus, the age of 1 year is considered the optimal time for the first vaccination. But in regions with a severe epidemiological situation, it is recommended to start vaccinating children earlier, which is where the 9-month indicator came from. In this case, re-vaccination is carried out at 15-18 months.

In countries with a calm epidemiological picture, it is customary to vaccinate children for the first time at 1 year, and subsequently revaccinate at 6 years. This vaccination tactic has eradicated measles outbreaks in many regions.

Vaccination of adults

Adults are subject to vaccination against measles during the planned multi-component measles-mumps-rubella vaccination, in case of emergency before leaving for countries where the epidemic situation is unstable, in contact with sick people, if the vaccination has not been done before. In this situation, it is possible to vaccinate for three days after a dangerous contact. But before traveling to another country, vaccination must be done in advance – at least 1 month before departure.

Measles vaccine and pregnancy

During the period of bearing a child, measles infection is very dangerous, it can lead to miscarriage and all kinds of fetal malformations. Due to the fact that the measles vaccine contains live viruses, it is contraindicated during pregnancy. A woman needs to take care of her own safety before planning a pregnancy and get the necessary vaccinations.

Allergy to measles vaccine

Most modern vaccines are prepared on egg white. If an allergy to egg protein occurs at different periods of a child’s life, manifested in the form of Quincke’s edema, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, the child should not be vaccinated against measles.

To find out if there is a risk of such an allergic reaction, you must:

• dip a clean finger in raw egg white;
• anoint with this finger the inner surface of the baby’s lip;
• with a slight swelling of the lips over the next 5 minutes, it is possible to conclude that it is impossible to vaccinate with standard vaccines.

If the possibility of developing an allergic reaction is identified, it is necessary that the doctor select a replacement for the standard vaccine and vaccinate with another means.

Contraindications for vaccination

Among the contraindications for vaccination in an adult, acute respiratory viral infections or exacerbation of chronic diseases are distinguished. With these symptoms, vaccination is postponed, on average, for a month.

In adults, there are also absolute contraindications for vaccination, among which doctors mention the same allergy to bird eggs, allergic reactions to antibiotics, previous vaccinations, pregnancy and the time of breastfeeding.

In babies, contraindications for injections against viral infections are:

• any disease in the acute stage;
• primary immunodeficiency;
• AIDS;
• use on the eve of blood products, immunoglobulin;
• complications associated with previous vaccination;
• intolerance to aminoglycosides, protein;
• oncological diseases.

Possible reactions to the vaccine

In a normal course, measles vaccination causes in adults:

• slight redness at the injection site;
• temperature up to 37,5 degrees;
• catarrhal phenomena;
• joint pain.

But the development of very dangerous adverse reactions is possible – allergic shock, urticaria, Quincke’s edema. Also, in very rare and severe cases, adults may develop encephalitis, pneumonia, meningitis, myocarditis. To avoid such consequences, vaccination should be carried out while being completely healthy, and on the eve of the event, you need to consult an immunologist and use antihistamines.

Reaction to vaccination in children

Among children’s common reactions to measles vaccination, doctors name:

• swelling and redness of the injection site;
• some catarrhal phenomena;
• the occurrence of a skin rash;
• poor appetite;
• fever during the first 6 days after vaccination.

In this case, all of the above symptoms can manifest themselves in varying degrees. The temperature may rise slightly, or it may reach 39-40 degrees, other symptoms may or may not be present, but all of them should gradually disappear a week after the vaccination.

Adverse reactions after vaccination

Complications, expressed by various symptoms, and side effects of measles vaccines are not common. Sometimes the temperature may rise as a side effect, sometimes conjunctivitis or rashes are possible. All symptoms are typical for a period of up to 10 days after the administration of the drug. Such a course of the post-vaccination period is considered natural.

Possible complications from vaccination include:

• all kinds of allergic reactions that can be prevented by taking antihistamines before and after vaccination;
• febrile convulsions in children due to a very high temperature, which can also be stopped by taking paracetamol when the temperature rises;
• in one case in a million, severe damage to the nervous system occurs.

It is important to understand that all complications that develop as a result of vaccination are much weaker than those that may occur when the disease is transferred.

Is it possible to get sick after vaccination

Basically, although the vaccine contains live viruses, they are so weakened that they are not capable of provoking a full-fledged disease. Often the vaccine can cause some kind of measles in a very mild form, such reactions are mild and go away on their own after a week after the injection. A person in this state is not contagious to others.

However, sometimes the vaccine does not induce immunity against the disease, and a person can become fully ill with measles while being vaccinated. Such a phenomenon in medicine is called the insolvency of vaccination immunity and can be observed in a small percentage of all vaccinated.

Which vaccine is best

With a different composition of domestic and foreign vaccines, they all demonstrate high efficiency in combating measles. There are 2 significant differences between these vaccines. Firstly, domestic vaccines are prepared on the basis of quail eggs, while foreign analogues are made on the basis of chicken egg protein. If you are allergic to any of these components, you need to make a choice in favor of another vaccine.

Secondly, imported vaccines have a multicomponent composition and protect against three infectious diseases at once – measles, mumps and rubella, which is very convenient in terms of vaccination. When choosing domestic vaccines, vaccinations will need to be done 2-3 times in each period of life. But in the local clinic you can get only a domestic vaccine for free, so you need to approach vaccination consciously, weighing all the pros and cons.

How many measles vaccines are needed

The number of measles vaccinations in a lifetime is determined by the age at which the person was first vaccinated. When starting vaccination at 9 months, a person will be forced to endure 4-5 vaccine injections in life: at 9 months, at 15 months, at 6 years, at 16 years and at 30. With initial vaccination per year, the number of subsequent injections is reduced by 1.

In the absence of vaccination at the age of one, the first vaccination should be tried as early as possible – at 2-4 years, and the next one should be done according to the plan at the age of six on the eve of school. In the primary vaccination of a person over the age of 6 years, he is given a double dose of the drug with an interval of 1-6 months.

How long does measles immunity last?

The minimum duration of post-vaccination immunity against measles is 12 years. If a person has been vaccinated twice, then his protection can last up to 25 years, but this is difficult to verify.

The primary goal of immunization is to protect preschool children, who are particularly susceptible to measles. In adulthood, follow-up vaccinations can be done every 10-15 years.

Sometimes even vaccinated people get measles. However, in this case, the risk of complications is low and the disease is short and mild.

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