The MMR vaccine is a vaccine that is given with the aim of protecting the body from mumps, measles, and rubella. Although it aims to protect the body, However This vaccine does not escape controversy, namely: considered can cause a child to develop autism. Find out the facts about the MMR vaccine here.
The MMR vaccine is a combination of vaccines that are effective and safe against mumps, measles, and rubella. This injection contains the viruses of the three diseases, which have been weakened beforehand.
The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh. The MMR vaccine is given in the optimal dose when the child is 15 months old, then given a dose of booster or reinforcement at 5 years of age. Giving this MMR vaccine will trigger the immune system to produce antibodies, so that later it is ready to fight the rubella, measles, and mumps viruses.
Understanding Risk Side Effectg MMR Vaccine
Generally, the MMR vaccine has no significant side effects. Even if there are, mild side effects that may be felt are redness at the injection site or fever.
Although relatively rare, under certain conditions, the MMR vaccine may cause other side effects, such as:
- Glandular swelling.
- Convulsions.
- Stiff joints or joint pain.
- Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.
- Bleeding or low platelet count.
- The appearance of mumps is not contagious, about two days.
- The appearance of mild measles is not contagious and lasts about three days.
Seizures due to fever can also occur, but this too is rare. To avoid this risk, children are advised to get the MMR vaccine as early as possible. As children get older, the risk of a child experiencing side effects from the MMR vaccine may increase.
In addition to the side effects above, the MMR vaccine or the ingredients contained in it can cause allergic reactions in children who are hypersensitive to these ingredients. However, this case is rare. If indeed your child is allergic to the content contained in the MMR vaccine, then avoid giving this vaccine because it can be dangerous.
Can MMR Vaccine Really Cause Autism?
The issue of the MMR vaccine causing autism, circulated when a child in America experienced a decline in communication skills and behavioral changes, after the MMR vaccine. The condition experienced by the child is indeed a symptom of autism, which is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.
However, the incident experienced by the child cannot be a reference for this assumption. American research conducted in 2013 showed that the MMR vaccine is safe to give to children and does not cause autism. So, the MMR vaccine is not the cause of autism, because the condition is more closely related to genetic factors.
So that parents are no longer worried, it is recommended to learn more about the content contained in the MMR vaccine. In addition, parents must also play an active role in finding out and providing accurate information to doctors regarding the health history of the child, parents, and family, before vaccination is carried out.
In some conditions, for example when a child is sick with the flu, the MMR vaccine may need to be postponed until the child's condition recovers and is healthy. Also understand other conditions in children, such as a history of autoimmune and neurological diseases or allergies, then ask the doctor for recommendations for the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine aims to protect the body from various viruses that can cause serious illness. Do not let the controversy that says that the MMR vaccine or any vaccine can cause autism, make parents hesitate to give this vaccine to their children. If you are still worried about the side effects of the MMR vaccine, ask your doctor directly for accurate information.
