Measles

Measles is an acute, highly infectious viral disease transmitted by droplets. The prodromal symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and Koplik's spots on the buccal mucosa of the mouth. Subsequently, the rash first appears on the cheek and behind the ear, then spreads to the limbs and the whole body. The more serious cases may be complicated with otitis media, pneumonia or encephalitis, or even death.

Rubella

Rubella (German measles) is a viral disease transmitted by droplets with mild symptoms such as fever, nasopharyngitis and postauricular lymph node enlargement. Infection in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or malformation (congenital rubella syndrome).

Mumps

Mumps, commonly known as "skin of a pig head" (豬頭皮), is a viral disease transmitted by droplets. It invades the salivary glands, especially the subauricular glands. Patients may have fever, headache, enlargement of the subauricular glands, some of which may cause meningitis, encephalitis or hearing impairment. Infection in adolescence is susceptible to orchitis or ovarian inflammation, which may affect fertility.

Vaccination suggestions

The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to prevent measles, mumps and rubella, with an average prevention effect of more than 95% and long-term immunity. At present, it is routinely administered in Taiwan.

Contraindications to vaccination

• Anyone who had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., generalized hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing) following the first dose of MMR should not receive a second dose.
• Anyone knowing they are allergic to an MMR component (e.g., gelatin, neomycin) should not receive this vaccine.
• As with all live virus vaccines, women known to be pregnant should not receive the MMR vaccine.
• Severely immunocompromised people should not be given MMR vaccine. This includes people with conditions such as congenital immunodeficiency, AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, generalized malignancy, and those receiving treatment for cancer with drugs, radiation, or large doses of corticosteroids.

Possible side effects and vaccine response after injection

• After vaccination, please take a rest under observation for 30 minutes. If there is no discomfort, you can leave hospital.
• Five to 12 days after inoculation, there are occasional side effects such as rash, cough, rhinitis or fever, temporary arthralgia, arthritis and neuritis.

Reminders

• The Ministry of Health and Welfare recommends that pregnancy should be avoided within one month after the administration of the MMR vaccine.
• Since the MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, other live attenuated vaccines to be administered (e.g. varicella vaccine) should be given simultaneously (at different sites) or at least four weeks apart.
• After vaccination, please drink more water and get plenty of rest to reduce discomfort. If you have any questions, please return to the hospital.