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Measles, mumps and rubella – myths and facts

March 15, 2018

With March being measles, mumps and rubella awareness month, the Trust has decided to put together a fact verses fiction piece so you can determine what is a myth and was is indeed fact in regards to measles, mumps and rubella.

  1. I cannot have my MMR vaccination whilst breastfeeding?

MYTH: MMR can be given whilst breastfeeding with no risk to the baby.

  1. The MMR vaccination causes autism?

MYTH: This has never been a fact and research and the Dr who started this myth has since been struck off the GMC register. A recent study involving 95,727 children found NO link between autism and the MMR vaccination, even among children already at higher risk for autism spectrum disorders. (JAMA 2015)

  1. I cannot have my MMR vaccination if I have a serious allergy to eggs?

MYTH: Recent data suggest that anaphylactic reactions to MMR vaccine are not associated with hypersensitivity to egg antigens but to other components of the vaccine. Further advice should be sought for anyone who has a serious egg allergy before receiving the vaccination.

  1. I cannot have my MMR vaccination for religious/personal reasons as it contains gelatine a pork product?

MYTH: in the UK we have two types of MMR vaccine – MMR VaxPro  and Priorix. Priorix does not contain gelatin and is as safe and effective as MMR VaxPro so you can still have your MMR vaccine, just ask for Priorix. (see attached information sheet for more guidance).

  1. There are very few people who cannot have the MMR vaccination?

FACT: The MMR is very safe. Only the following people should not have their MMR

– those who are immunosuppressed

– those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a measles-,  mumps- or rubella-containing vaccine

– those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to neomycin or gelatin (NB: there is no gelatin in the Priorix vaccination)

–  pregnant women.

  1. It takes 2 MMR vaccinations to receive full protection against measles, mumps, and rubella?

FACT: One vaccination does not provide sufficient protection against these viruses.

  1. I cannot have my MMR vaccination if I have recently had blood products?

FACT: The MMR vaccinations should be deferred for 3 months to ensure the response to the measles component is not reduced.

  1. I can still have the MMR vaccination if I am immune to measles, mumps and rubella but cannot find the evidence of vaccination?

FACT: Having the MMR vaccination if you have unproven immunity already, will not cause you any ill effects.

  1. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world?

FACT: Measles infectiousness is one of the highest, with a basic reproduction number (R0) estimated around 15 – 20 (i.e. on average, there will be 15 – 20 individuals infected from a single case in a totally susceptible population).The secondary attack rate is highest among close unimmunised contacts, particularly household contacts.

  1. There has been a 400% increase in measles in Europe?

FACT: The disease affected 21,315 people and caused 35 deaths in 2017. Actions to stop the outbreaks are taking place on various fronts. They include raising public awareness, immunising health-care professionals and other adults at particular risk, addressing challenges in access, and improving supply planning and logistics.

Occupational health have produced a video which aims to dispel the myths surrounding the MMR vaccine and why it is so important to get protected.

Please click here to view the video.