What is Measles?
Measles is a contagious viral disease that causes fever and red rash. It generally occurs in childhood. The disease can be quite severe and even fatal for the small children.
Vaccine Schedule
The measles vaccine is given as one injection shot at age:
Note: Children born to malnourished mothers stand at high risk of developing measles infection as early as 6 months. Such kids must be given the vaccine at 6 month and another dose at 9 month.
Why Your Child Needs This Vaccine?
Measles is a live viral vaccine and an excellent one with more than 90% effectiveness with a booster that's given in the form of MMR. In rare cases, even if the vaccinated child develops measles, it gets modified usually followed by a quick recovery and no grave complications.
Risk Associated with the Vaccine
The vaccine is quite safe and doesn't come up with any major side effects. As it's given in the form of injections, it can cause mild pain, mild tenderness or swelling near the injected area. Fever can also be seen in some kids.
When not to give the vaccine
You should avoid or delay the immunization if:
1)Your child is sick at the time of immunization, however; if it's just cold or minor illness, there's no harm in giving the vaccine.
2)Your child has egg allergy as measles vaccine such as MMR is grown in the chick embryo culture.
Child Care Post Vaccination
The measles vaccine as said is quite safe and will only trigger mild fever, tenderness or swelling near the injected area. If the pain is extreme, you can speak to the doctor for the right medication.
Can measles vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes, measles vaccine causes no harm when given with other vaccine types.
When to seek medical help
Though chances for this would be very rare but if you notice high fever or severe pain post vaccination, seek your doctor's help without much of delay.