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Your child’s immunization schedule includes MMR, a “3-in-1” vaccine that protects them against both measles, mumps and rubella. MMR is one of the 11 compulsory vaccines.
MMR vaccine: how many injections are needed and when?
Two doses are given for this vaccination, one first performed at 12 months, a second between 16 and 18 months. However, in an epidemic situation or if your infant comes into contact with an infected person, it is quite possible to vaccinate before the age of one year. A dose of vaccine should then be injected within 72 hours of contact. Vaccination, however, is contraindicated in pregnant women, immunosuppressed patients and infants under 6 months of age.
In general, the MMR vaccine is well tolerated and does not weaken children. It is possible, despite everything, that fever and redness on the skin occur in the days following the injection.
Since when is this vaccine compulsory?
The MMR vaccine has been part of 1er January 2018 from the list of 11 compulsory vaccines for our newborns.
What is the name of the ear, measles and rubella vaccine?
Measles, mumps, rubella… These three diseases are evacuated in a single vaccination which is therefore called the vaccine ROR. Still too often considered “banal” in children, we tend to forget how these three diseases can be serious.
Today, measles still kills nearly 250 infants worldwide each year. ” In France and in Western countries, the problem of measles is first of all its seriousness, because it leads to serious respiratory complications, pneumonia, ear infections and, in one in 100, neurological complications encephalitis type », Specifies Professor Daniel Floret, Chairman of the Technical Committee on Vaccinations.
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease, which is characterized by red patches, fever, cough and severe fatigue. The virus is spread through droplets emitted from the nose or mouth (air, spray, hands, sneezing, cough, saliva).
Quant with rubella, if it is benign and of short duration in children, with a fairly discreet rash of buttons, it is particularly dangerous in pregnant women. Rubella causes severe malformations of the fetus (damage to the brain, eyes, heart, etc.). Hence the importance of vaccination in young children, which subsequently helps to protect future mothers who are not vaccinated.
Likewise, by preventing mumps, MMR vaccination helps prevent the occurrence of viral meningitis, encephalitis, and cases of acquired deafness in children where mumps was the primary cause before vaccination.
In boys, damage to the testicles, with a risk of infertility, is much rarer than you might think, as it does not occur until after puberty. Very contagious disease, mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, fever and headache.
MMR vaccination: an individual interest, but also a collective one
Of course, when you vaccinate your child against measles, mumps and rubella, it is first and foremost to protect him against these three diseases and to keep him in good health. But besides the individual benefit, vaccination also has a collective interest ! Because by vaccinating your child, you protect everyone around them at the same time.
Likewise, in nurseries for example, children under one year of age are only protected by the vaccination of those around them. ” VSIn children aged 2 years, the vaccination coverage rate for the 1st dose of MMR vaccine is 90%, but that for the 2nd dose is 60%. Fortunately, catching up is possible, and we can see the benefits. As proof, among 15-year-olds, the vaccination coverage rate is 95% for the first dose and 75% for the second. Hence the importance of continuing our efforts to improve the vaccination rate among children. », Insists Professor Daniel Floret.
Price: a vaccine reimbursed 100% by Social Security
On the budget side, the MMR vaccine is fully refunded by Health Insurance for all children up to the age of 18. Beyond that, it is supported up to 65%.
Namely: where to get vaccinated?
To get vaccinated, check with your pediatrician, general practitioner or PMI (Maternal and Child Protection Center).