The measles vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is included in the complete routine immunization program recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.
There are two types of vaccines used to prevent measles, namely the MR vaccine and the MMR vaccine. The MR vaccine prevents measles and rubella, while the MMR vaccine prevents measles, rubella and mumps.
The measles vaccine is made from weakened measles virus. Injecting the measles vaccine will make the body produce antibodies that will fight the virus if it attacks at any time.
Measles vaccine trademarks: Measles and Rubella Vaccine, Priorix Tetra, Dry Measles Vaccine
What is the Measles Vaccine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Prevent measles |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Measles vaccine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated a fetal abnormality or risk to the fetus.
Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether the measles vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using the Measles Vaccine
The measles vaccine should not be used carelessly. There are several things that you should pay attention to before using the measles vaccine, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. The measles vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had HIV/AIDS , tuberculosis (TB), a weakened immune system, seizures , a head injury, a blood disorder , a bone marrow disorder, or cancer , such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever, vaccination will be postponed until your condition improves.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a blood transfusion or are being treated with immunoglobulin.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. The measles vaccine should not be given to pregnant women.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction or serious side effects occur, after injecting the measles vaccine.
Measles Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
The measles vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children. Based on the immunization schedule issued by IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), the measles vaccine is given 3 times. There are two types of measles vaccine available, namely MR ( measles, rubella ) and MMR ( measles, mumps, and rubella ).
The following is the dose of measles vaccine based on the patient's age:
- Children: 0.5 ml injected under the skin (subcutaneously/SC). Primary immunization is given when the child is 9 months old (MR). Booster immunizations are given when children are 18 months old (MR/MMR) and 5–7 years old (MR/MMR).
- Adult: MMR vaccine , the first dose of 0.5 ml is injected through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC). The second dose is given 28 days after the first dose.
How to administer the Measles Vaccine
Always follow the doctor 's instructions and recommendations before receiving the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children.
The measles vaccine is given directly at a health facility by a doctor or health worker under the supervision of a doctor. The measles vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneously/SC).
In children, the measles vaccine is injected in the deltoid muscle, which is located on the upper arm. Meanwhile, in adults who have never received the measles vaccine before, the vaccine can be injected through the muscle or under the skin. The location of the vaccine administration will be adjusted to the patient's condition and needs.
The administration of the measles vaccine must be according to a predetermined schedule so that the vaccine can work more effectively. The child must get the entire prescribed dose. If your child misses a dose, see the doctor immediately for the missed dose.
Measles Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs
If used with immunosuppressant drugs , such as corticosteroids, the effectiveness of the measles vaccine in providing protection or prevention of infection may decrease. In addition, undergoing therapy with immunoglobulin after injection of the measles vaccine can also affect the effectiveness of vaccination.
To avoid side effects, always tell your doctor about the drugs, supplements or herbal products you are using.
Side Effects and Dangers of the Measles Vaccine
There are several side effects that can appear after using the measles vaccine, including:
- Fever or dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle aches , fatigue, and weakness
- Pain or redness at the injection site
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. In addition, see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction .