Why do many parents resist the use of the "Miao Wang" MMR vaccine? You will know whether to use it or not after reading this article! !

Author: Zhang Yuyun Unit: Huxi Community Health Service Center, Shuikou Sub-district Office, Huicheng District, Huizhou City In the circle of new mothers, the saying that MMR is the "king of seedlings" is widely circulated on platforms such as WeChat and Douyin. This saying has misled many parents, causing many parents to change color when talking about "vaccination". In some videos on mothers' groups and Douyin, some remarks without scientific basis are spread wantonly, and one-sided interpretations and amplifications of discomfort symptoms after vaccination have caused many parents in clinical practice to refuse to vaccinate their children with MMR vaccine. So, what kind of vaccine is MMR vaccine? Why do children need to be vaccinated with it? Where do parents' concerns come from? Now, let us learn about the relevant knowledge of MMR vaccine.

1. Understand the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine made from attenuated mumps, measles and rubella viruses. After vaccination, it will stimulate the human immune system to produce corresponding antibodies, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of mumps, measles and rubella, three common acute respiratory infectious diseases in children.

1.1 Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms usually appear in the early stages of the disease, including conjunctival congestion, runny nose, cough, and fever, followed by a red maculopapular rash. If the disease is severe, it may also cause complications such as encephalitis and pneumonia, posing a great threat to children's health.

1.2 Mumps

Mumps is caused by infection with the mumps virus. The main symptoms include non-suppurative swelling and pain of the parotid gland, which may be accompanied by loss of appetite, headache, fever, etc. If not treated in time, it may cause complications such as meningitis, oophoritis, orchitis, etc. Males after puberty should pay special attention to this because orchitis may affect fertility.

1.3 Rubella

Rubella is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by rubella virus. Its symptoms are relatively mild. After the disease occurs, there will usually be swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and on the back of the head, rash, low fever, etc.

2. Why should we get the MMR vaccine?

2.1 Protecting children’s health

The incidence of mumps, rubella and measles is relatively high among children, especially among those who have not been vaccinated. These diseases not only cause physical pain to children, but may also lead to serious complications and even threaten their lives. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine can provide effective protection for children and reduce the chance of infection with these diseases. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is usually given at 8 months of age, and the second dose at 18 months of age.

2.2 Establishing herd immunity

When a certain proportion of the population is vaccinated with measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, a herd immunity barrier can be established in the community. Even if there are a few unvaccinated people, the spread of the disease can be reduced to a great extent, thereby protecting the health of the entire group. This is especially important for children who cannot be vaccinated for special reasons.

2.3 Reducing the disease burden

The spread of these infectious diseases will bring heavy economic burdens to families and society, and consume a large amount of medical resources. Vaccination can be used to prevent the occurrence of diseases and reduce the disease burden.

3. Reasons why parents are worried

3.1 Fear of live virus vaccines

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is an injectable "live virus vaccine" that infants are exposed to relatively early. Parents often worry about the concept of "live virus". They worry that the attenuated live virus in the vaccine will cause side effects to their children's bodies. In the minds of some parents, live viruses are very dangerous and are likely to cause disease or other adverse reactions. However, in fact, the attenuated live virus in the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has been strictly processed, and scientific researchers will use advanced technical means to greatly reduce its toxicity. Therefore, under normal circumstances, vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine will not cause the occurrence of the disease. Because parents lack understanding of the mechanism of action and safety of attenuated live vaccines, it is easy for misunderstandings and fear to occur, and then resist their children from receiving the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

3.2 Worry about adverse reactions to vaccines

Parents may be concerned about adverse reactions such as rash and fever that may occur after their children receive the MMR vaccine. In particular, once a child develops fever symptoms, it is easy to cause panic in parents. In fact, these reactions are usually mild and temporary, and generally disappear on their own within a few days after vaccination. In addition, some parents are also worried about serious adverse reactions such as neurological damage that may be caused by the MMR vaccine. Although the incidence of serious adverse reactions is extremely low, parents are prone to doubts and resistance to their children's vaccination due to fear of these potential risks. Although these concerns are understandable, in fact, the benefits of MMR vaccination for children in preventing diseases far outweigh the possible risks.

4. Adverse reactions and treatment methods after MMR vaccination

4.1 Common adverse reactions and coping methods

(1) Fever

Fever is one of the more common adverse reactions after vaccination with the MMR vaccine. It may occur within 1 to 2 weeks after vaccination. If a child has fever symptoms, parents should handle it according to the specific situation. For children with a body temperature below 38.5℃, physical cooling methods such as giving the child more water and wiping the body with warm water can be used. If the child's temperature exceeds 38.5℃, antipyretics can be given under the guidance of a doctor.

(2) Rash

Some children may develop a rash 6 to 12 days after vaccination, which usually disappears on its own within a few days, so no special treatment is generally required. However, if it is accompanied by symptoms such as itching or the rash persists for a long time, anti-allergic drugs can be used under the guidance of a doctor.

(3) Local redness and swelling

Within 24 hours after vaccination, the child may experience symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling at the vaccination site. To relieve the symptoms, you can apply cold compress within 24 hours after vaccination and hot compress after 24 hours.

(4) Mild enlargement of parotid and salivary glands

Mild swelling of the parotid and salivary glands may occur after vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Generally, no special treatment is required and it may subside on its own. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

4.2 Serious adverse reactions and countermeasures

Although serious side effects are rare, seek medical attention immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms:

(1) Anaphylactic shock

Symptoms include sudden onset of rapid heartbeat, pale complexion, and difficulty breathing. Once anaphylactic shock occurs, first aid should be given immediately and the person should be sent to the hospital for treatment.

(2) Nervous system damage

If symptoms such as coma or convulsions occur, seek medical attention immediately for a comprehensive examination and treatment.

5. Other common questions about MMR vaccination

5.1 Can the MMR vaccine be administered at the same time as other vaccines?

Generally speaking, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine can be administered at the same time as other national immunization program vaccines, but they must be administered at different sites. If parents have concerns about simultaneous vaccination, they can consult a doctor for advice.

5.2 What should I pay attention to after receiving the MMR vaccine?

After vaccination, you need to stay at the vaccination site for 30 minutes to observe whether there are any adverse reactions. At the same time, pay attention to a light diet, avoid eating irritating foods, let the child get enough rest, and avoid strenuous exercise.

5.3 What should I do if I missed the MMR vaccination?

If you miss the MMR vaccination, you should get it as soon as possible and follow the vaccination schedule to ensure that your child can get effective protection.

5.4 Which children cannot receive the MMR vaccine?

Children with chronic or acute infections, serious illnesses, fever, etc. should postpone vaccination and receive booster shots after recovery. In addition, children who are allergic to any component of the vaccine cannot be vaccinated.

In short, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine plays an irreplaceable role in protecting children's health. When it comes to the issue of children's vaccination, parents should be rational, actively learn about the relevant knowledge about the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, make the right choice, and safeguard their children's healthy growth.

【Image source: Baidu】