MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA VACCINE (MMR)
WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which are serious and sometimes FATAL diseases. Measles, mumps, and rubella are diseases caused by viruses that are easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can become infected when you breathe in this air or touch a surface contaminated with virus. The viruses can also spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva when sharing food, drinks, cigarettes or by kissing.
Routinely given as a first dose for infants at 12 months of age and as a second dose for children at school entry given at 4-6 years of age, vaccination of special populations, such as health care workers, may require protection against measles, mumps, or rubella as either a first or second dose.
BOOSTER DOSES
No booster doses are recommended at this time for the general public. HCWs are at risk of exposure to communicable diseases because of their contact with patients or material from patients with infections, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, and should ensure they are vaccinated.
VACCINATIONS FOR MEASLES, MUMPS & RUBELLA
Individuals requiring protection against any of the MMR antigens may require a different number of doses to be protected. The only vaccine available in BC is the combination product, MMR, which includes measles, mumps & rubella.
Measles Protection:
Assess all new employees born on or after January 1, 1957 for proof of 2 live measles vaccinations, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of laboratory confirmed measles disease. Persons born before 1957 have probably been infected naturally and can be considered immune.
Mumps Protection:
Assess all individuals born on or after January 1, 1957 for proof of prior history of laboratory confirmed mumps disease, or 1 dose of live mumps-containing vaccine if they were born between 1957 and 1969 (inclusive), or 2 doses of live mumps-containing vaccine if they were born on or after January 1, 1970. A Persons born before 1957 have probably been infected naturally and can be considered immune.
Rubella Protection:
Assess all employees for proof of 1 dose of rubella containing vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity to rubella.
Good to Know
The pharmacists at Columbia Street Pharmacy will provide a vaccine assessment prior to any immunization appointments to determine the need of any MMR vaccines
MAKE SURE YOU ARE COVERED
Are you a health care worker?
Maintenance of immunity against vaccine preventable diseases is an integral part of a health care facility’s occupational health program. Optimal usage of immunizing agents in hospital staff will not only safeguard the health of staff members but may, in some instances, also protect patients from becoming infected by hospital employees. The priority for all health care workers should be to ensure that all routine immunizations, including booster doses, are completed and booster doses are provided as needed on an ongoing basis.