Sarampión, paperas y rubéola

About measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). These are three different diseases which are caused by three different viruses. The vaccines given to immunise against measles, mumps and rubella are all combined into one injection - the MMR vaccine.

Two doses of the vaccine are given as part of the routine childhood immunisation in the UK. The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given to children aged 12-13 months, and a second dose is given as a preschool booster.

The vaccine is also offered to older children and adults who have not received the two routine doses during childhood.

The vaccine stimulates your child's immune system to make antibodies against the three viruses. These antibodies then help to protect your child against infection.

Before your child is given measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Before your child is given MMR vaccine, make sure your doctor knows:

• Si su hijo no se ha encontrado bien recientemente o tiene fiebre.

• Si su hijo ha tenido anteriormente una reacción alérgica a una vacuna o medicamento.

• If your child has a rare metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU).

• Si su hijo padece una enfermedad que le hace sangrar más de lo normal, como la hemofilia.

• Si le han dicho que su hijo tiene un sistema inmunitario debilitado.

If the vaccine is for you (rather than for a child), you must tell your doctor if any of the above apply to you. It is also important that you let your doctor know if you could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Cómo se administra la vacuna

• Antes de administrar la vacuna a su hijo, pida que le lean el prospecto impreso del fabricante. El prospecto del fabricante le dará más información sobre la vacuna y le indicará los efectos secundarios que puede tener para su hijo. Si tiene alguna duda sobre la vacuna, pida consejo a su médico o enfermera.

• Your child will be given two doses of the vaccine. It is usual for the first dose to be given between 12 and 13 months of age, and the second before they start school.

• In younger children the vaccine is usually given by injection into a muscle in their upper leg. Older children will be given the injection into a muscle in their upper arm. If your child has a condition which makes them bleed more than normal, the vaccine will be given as an injection under their skin rather than into a muscle.
  

Getting the most from the treatment

• Si su hijo tiene fiebre o un malestar agudo en el momento de una vacunación programada, el médico o la enfermera pueden recomendar retrasar la administración de la vacuna. Las enfermedades leves (como la tos, el resfriado o los mocos) no interfieren con la vacuna. Si se aconseja un retraso, se le dará una cita alternativa para la vacunación.

Can measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, vaccines like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. MMR immunisation frequently causes no problems, but the table below contains some of the side-effects which may occur. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the vaccine. Speak with a doctor or nurse if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

You will normally be asked by the doctor or nurse to wait several minutes after the immunisation to make sure that there is no adverse reaction to the vaccine. Although allergic reactions are extremely rare, you should seek urgent medical advice if your child becomes breathless, or if any severe swelling or rash develops within a few days of the immunisation.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse a la vacuna, hable con su médico o farmacéutico.