Definition
The MMR vaccine is an attenuated live vaccine and consists of a mixture of a mumps, measles and rubella vaccine. Each of these contains the virus, which is attenuated in its strength (virulence). The vaccine has existed since the 1970s and is injected either into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous) into the fatty tissue. This vaccination then causes a noncommunicable infection with mumps, measles and rubella, which is usually not noticed by the vaccinated person. The vaccination usually triggers a lifelong vaccination reaction of the immune system, so that renewed contact with the pathogen does not lead to the dreaded complications.
From when should I be vaccinated?
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STiKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends basic immunization against mumps, measles and rubella. The 1st vaccination should be administered between the 11th and 14th month of life. The 2nd vaccination should be administered between the 15th and 23rd month of life.
The first vaccination is usually sufficient for a lifelong reaction of the immune system to these pathogens. The 2nd vaccination is therefore not, as is often assumed, intended to refresh the immune system, but to reach possible vaccination failures, where the 1st vaccination did not result in a sufficient reaction of the immune system. In principle, it is recommended to get vaccinated against varicella (chickenpox) at the same time as vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella, but in a different part of the body, as it has been observed that the already low risk of febrile convulsions after a 4-fold vaccination can be further reduced.
However, this was only observed for the first vaccination, which is why the second vaccination can also be given as a 4-fold vaccine without any problems. If the baby is under 11 months of age and is placed in a children’s facility that also accommodates other older children whose vaccination status is unclear, one can consider vaccinating the baby earlier. However, it does not make sense to vaccinate before the age of 9 months, because at this time the baby still has enough antibodies from the mother in its blood, which would neutralize the vaccination viruses and therefore would not lead to a desired vaccination success.
If the baby has not been vaccinated against mumps or measles and there has been reliable contact with a child suffering from these two diseases or, in rare cases, with adults, a so-called post-exposure vaccination (also called PEP – post-exposure prophylaxis) can be administered a maximum of 3-5 days after the first contact. This can still prevent the onset of the disease or alleviate its course. The post-exposure vaccination is also carried out as a combination vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) plus possibly varicella (MMRV).
