Information on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines

Every day, we in the paediatric outpatient clinic receive questions from concerned relatives about the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. Measles, mumps and rubella are viral diseases of children and adolescents, but they can also affect unprotected adults.

The triple combination vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is included in the free vaccination programme. This is a live vaccination. Two MMR vaccinations are recommended from the age of 9 months onwards (absolutely before entry into community facilities).

• In case of first vaccination in the 1st year of life (from the completed 9th month of life), the 2nd vaccination should be administered after three months.
• In case of first vaccination after the 1st year of life, the 2nd vaccination is given as early as possible, with a minimum interval of four weeks.
• Missing MMR vaccinations can and should be made up at any age.

Definition of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) infection

Measles and mumps are infectious viral diseases for humans. They are spread worldwide. Both infectious diseases can cause serious complications and secondary diseases in children, adolescents and adults. Rubella is an infectious disease that is often asymptomatic. However, a rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the unborn child. The triple combination vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) protects against these infectious diseases. There is a particular risk of a severe course in small children and adults. The measles viruses are transmitted by droplet infection or by direct contact with infectious nasal/throat secretions. The average incubation period is eight to ten days. Mumps is an infectious viral disease caused by the mumps virus.

Symptoms of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) infection

Complications of measles infection are:

• Otitis media
• Pneumonia (measles pneumonia)
• Seizures and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

These can also be fatal. In addition, measles causes an increased risk of dying from other infectious diseases for several years due to weakening of the immune system.

Complications of mumps that increase with age:

• Neurological disorders such as paralysis, dizziness, speech disorders and personality changes, headaches, wandering pain in different parts of the body. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, such as nausea or vomiting.
• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Inflammation of the nerves in the ear area which can later lead to deafness (acoustic neuroma).
• Testicular inflammation Infertility (infertility)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Complications of viral infection with rubella:

• Characteristic small-spotted redness exanthema
• Swelling of the lymph nodes (especially in the neck)
• Joint complaints
• Increased risk of malformations of the embryo and premature births