Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 287-296 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 291 (chickenpox) much longer than those who only got one dose (Prymula et al., 2021). A study in Finland also found that while the first measles vaccine dose gave good protection, antibody levels dropped over time. This shows why booster doses are important to keep the body’s defense strong (Davidkin and Valle, 1998). 5 Epidemiological Impact of the MMR Vaccine 5.1 Contribution to herd immunity High vaccination rates are very important for herd immunity. When enough people are vaccinated, the spread of diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella can be stopped. The MMR vaccine plays a big role in reaching this goal. For example, in Finland, a two-dose MMR program with 97%~98% coverage helped eliminate these three diseases from the country (Davidkin et al., 2008). To stop the spread of measles, about 95% of people need to be vaccinated. For mumps, the number is between 75%~86%, and for rubella, it is around 83%~94%. Reaching these levels helps protect people who cannot get the vaccine, like newborns or those with weak immune systems. 5.2 Global impact on disease elimination Many countries have reduced or eliminated measles, mumps, and rubella through strong vaccination programs. Finland is one example where high coverage led to the elimination of these diseases (Davidkin and Valle, 1998). Another study in five East European countries (Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia) showed that two doses of the MMR vaccine gave long-lasting protection. Even ten years after vaccination, most children were still immune (Prymula et al., 2021). Globally, stopping measles and rubella has been a major health goal. Some studies show that antibodies from the vaccine can last up to 20 years, which helps keep people protected and prevents new outbreaks (Davidkin et al., 2008). 5.3 Vaccine effectiveness in outbreaks The MMR vaccine has also helped control outbreaks when they happen. A study in Rome found that vaccinated people were much less likely to be hospitalized for measles and mumps. This shows that the vaccine helps prevent serious cases (La Torre et al., 2017). Some research also suggests that the MMR vaccine might help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. This means it could have some effect in protecting against other viruses as well (Fedrizzi et al., 2021). 6 Safety and Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine 6.1 Common side effects The MMR vaccine is generally safe. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Some people may also get a mild fever or a small rash after getting the shot. These reactions are usually not serious. Studies show that general side effects like fever, feeling sleepy, or loss of appetite happen more often than local reactions at the injection site. For example, drowsiness happens in about 45.9% of cases, and loss of appetite happens in about 43.9%. These side effects are mild and usually get better without any treatment (Table 2) (Czajka et al., 2009; Santos et al., 2019). Pain and redness at the injection site also happen but at lower rates. After the second dose of the MMR vaccine, local reactions may increase a little, but they still stay within safe limits (Santos et al., 2019). Another common side effect is temporary joint pain. This is mostly linked to the rubella part of the vaccine. Joint pain is seen more often in older girls and women but can also happen in young children. The pain is usually mild and goes away within a few days without causing any lasting problems (Nakayama et al., 2019; Prymula et al., 2021).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==