A Blog For Mums
As a conscientious parent, ensuring your child’s well-being will always be your top priority.
Among the numerous steps you can take to safeguard their health, getting them vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) stands out as a decision of paramount importance.
The MMR vaccine has been a game-changer in preventive healthcare, shielding countless children from the potentially severe consequences of these highly contagious viral illnesses.
But the vaccine is optional, and some parents aren’t sure whether to go ahead with it, not helped by anti-vaxxers spreading unproven rumours.
Here’s everything you need to know about the MMR jab, and why it is so important for your child.
The MMR vaccine is a combined immunisation that protects against three distinct yet formidable diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
This triple-threat vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first dose given at 12 months of age and the second dose around 3 to 4 years, just before your little one begins school.
These vaccinations have played a monumental role in eradicating or significantly reducing the prevalence of numerous life-threatening diseases. The measles vaccine alone has prevented an astounding 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths in the UK since its introduction in 1968.
Furthermore, devastating illnesses like smallpox and polio have been virtually eliminated in England, thanks to the remarkable efficacy of vaccines.
In other words, they are not something to be feared.
While these viral infections may seem innocuous, their potential consequences are anything but trivial.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, can infect a staggering 9 out of 10 unvaccinated children exposed to it. It can lead to severe complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and life-threatening brain inflammation (encephalitis), necessitating hospitalisation and, in rare cases, causing long-term disabilities or even death.
Mumps, another viral illness, can cause swollen glands, meningitis, and, in rare instances, deafness.
Rubella, often referred to as German measles, may seem like a mild illness, but it can have devastating effects on unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy, leading to miscarriage or severe birth defects.
These are not diseases you want to take a chance with.
Numerous well-respected studies have consistently proven the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine.
While a flawed study in 1998 suggested a link between the vaccine and autism, this claim has been thoroughly debunked by subsequent research.
The MMR vaccine is rigorously tested and continually monitored for safety, with millions of doses administered safely in the UK and around the world. With those sorts of numbers as a sample size, if there was any risk involved, it would have been found by now.
Some parents worry about the combined nature of the MMR vaccine, fearing that it could overload their child’s immune system. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured that combined vaccines are just as safe as individual ones, and a child’s immune system is robust enough to handle the MMR vaccine without any issues.
As I said, millions upon millions have had the jab with no proven issues aside from some mild side effects, proving their safety.
Like any medical intervention, the MMR vaccine can cause minor side effects in some children.
This is true of almost all medicines though, so it’s not specific to the MMR.
These may include:
It’s important to re-emphasize that these side effects are typically mild and short-lived. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.
As the vaccination day approaches, it’s natural for your child to feel a little anxious. Heck, maybe you will feel the same.
Here are some tips to help make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible:
When the moment of truth comes, it’s best if you have them with you. Hold their hand or give them a hug. Make them feel secure.
You could try and distract them with a conversation about their favourite TV show or a toy, but make sure they don’t feel conned. It’s important to be honest about what is happening.
Singing a soothing song they like is another one to try, and make sure you offer plenty of praise for their bravery afterwards, and maybe even a reward. If they cry, let them. It’s natural. But be sure to comfort them until they stop.
Remember, your child’s healthcare provider is well-versed in administering vaccinations to young patients, and they will do their utmost to ensure a comfortable experience.
If you’re still not convinced, think about your responsibility to the rest of your community. While vaccinating your child is a personal decision, it also contributes to the greater good of society.
When a significant portion of the population is immunised, it creates a phenomenon known as “herd immunity,” which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or compromised immune systems.
Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children in England are unprotected against measles, mumps, and rubella, leaving many vulnerable individuals at risk. The diseases can’t spread if most of us are immune to them.
By ensuring your child receives the MMR vaccine, you’re not only safeguarding their health but also playing a vital role in maintaining herd immunity and preventing potential outbreaks.
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