MR vaccine or Measles and Rubella vaccine is a vaccine to prevent measles (measles) and rubella (German measles). Measles and rubella are caused by different viral infections, but both can be transmitted through air contaminated with the virus.
The MR vaccine is one type of vaccination that must be given to children from 9 months to less than 15 years of age.
The MR vaccine contains an attenuated virus. The injection of the MR vaccine will help the body recognize and form immunity (antibodies), so that it can fight the virus that causes it measles and rubella.
MR vaccine trademark: Measles and Rubella Vaccine
What's that MR Vaccine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Preventing rubella and measles |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| MR vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether the MR vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before vaccinating. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Receiving the MR Vaccine
The MR vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer at a health facility. Note the following points before undergoing vaccination with the MR vaccine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. The MR vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to this vaccine or the ingredients in the vaccine product.
- Tell the doctor if you or your child has a fever, vaccination will be postponed until the fever subsides and the condition improves.
- Tell your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, heart failure, an infectious disease, kidney failure, or a blood disorder, including leukemia or anemia.
- Tell your doctor if you are having radiotherapy or treatment with immunosuppressant drugs, including corticosteroids.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. The MR vaccine can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby if it is given to pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you will have the Mantoux test within 4–6 weeks of being vaccinated with the MR vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have a blood transfusion or treatment with immunoglobulins.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using the MR vaccine.
MR Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
The MR vaccine is one type of mandatory vaccination for children. According to immunization recommendations issued by IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), the schedule for MR vaccine injection can be done from 9 months to less than 15 years of age.
This vaccine can also be given to adults who have not been vaccinated with the MR vaccine. Children who receive their first dose of MR vaccine at 9 months of age will receive their second dose at 18 months of age, and will receive their third dose at about 6 years of age.
To prevent measles and rubella, The dose of MR vaccine for children and adults is 0.5 ml. The drug is given by injection into the skin (subcutaneous injection) or by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
Way of giving MR Vaccine
The MR vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The injection is made in the upper arm.
After receiving the MR vaccine, the child or vaccinated person must wait 30 minutes at the vaccination service. This is done to anticipate post-immunization follow-up events (AEFI).
AEFIs are all complaints or medical conditions that may be related to vaccination, including allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients and vaccine side effects.
MR vaccine storage is carried out by vaccine officers according to standard operating procedures. Vaccines and vaccine solvents need to be stored in a refrigerator at 2–8°C and protected from direct sunlight.
MR Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs
The risk of developing infection or decreasing the effectiveness of the MR vaccine may increase if this vaccine is given with drugs that have an immunosuppressive effect, such as hydrocortisone, infliximab, nilotinib, or omacetaxine.
To prevent unwanted drug interactions, be sure to consult with your doctor before you or your child is given the MR vaccine, especially if you are on therapy or taking any medications or supplements.
Side Effects and Dangers MR Vaccine
The MR vaccine is safe and rarely causes harmful side effects. However, in some people complaints can appear, such as fever, rash, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Generally, this complaint will subside by itself.
If the symptoms do not improve or get worse, see a doctor. In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction which can be characterized by swelling of the lips or eyelids, an itchy and widespread rash, or difficulty breathing.
