Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Measles was once viewed as a common childhood illness. It spreads easily through the air and remains active on services. Most people recover in ten days, and the virus does not usually cause long-term medical issues. However, Measles can be serious or even deadly, especially for children younger than five and with severely weakened immune systems. Measles typically causes a blotchy rash, high fever (up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit), dry cough, runny nose, and watering eyes. On the more serious side, Measles infections have been found to “wipe out immunological memory” of previous viruses, making victims incredibly susceptible to other illnesses that would typically be unserious.
Mumps affect the parotid glands on either side of the face. These glands make saliva. Swollen glands can cause pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and tirendness. Complications ensue if the virus reaches other tissues in the body. Encephalitis, inflammation in the brain, can result from the Mumps and cause long-term brain damage. The Mumps can also cause Meningitis.
Rubella, also known as the German measles, causes little to no symptoms in most people, but can cause serious problems for the unborn babies in pregnant women. Though Rubella and the Measles give similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Rubella is not as heavily contagious as the Measles.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and WRAL News
The Case For the Vaccine
The case for the vaccine: By vaccinating for these three diseases, children are also protected from serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, hearing loss, and death. Measles was nearly eradicated before recent spikes among unvaccinated individuals. Despite the belief that this vaccine causes autism, credible studies have repeatedly found no causal link between autism and the vaccine. One of the best studies was conducted in Denmark and included over half a million children. This large-scale study showed no causal link between the vaccine and Autism.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Case Against the Vaccine
This vaccine has been subject to the highest levels of autism speculation. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield published an article in The Lancet. This article supported his hypothesis of an autism and MMR vaccine link. After the release of this article, parents shuddered in fear at the thought of giving their children the vaccine. While Wakefield’s findings were compelling and gained incredible visibility, researchers have identified several fallacies in the study. Wakefield’s sample size was very small: it only focused on twelve children, eight of whom displayed developmental challenges. The MMR vaccine is typically given when children are one year old. Coincidentally, children begin displaying symptoms of autism around that same age. Researchers believe Wakefield’s study intentionally focused on children who displayed developmental challenges to prove his hypothesis, and the small sample size does little to improve the credibility.
Sources: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the CDC
Conclusion
This vaccine has undergone significant criticism. One has to wonder how different the vaccine landscape, particularly the MMR’s reputation, would be if the Wakefield study had never been published. However, the study was published and has led to questions and increased research. That increased research has returned consistent results, supporting continued vaccination. When deciding on this vaccine, parents must weigh the potential side effects, research the studies, and consider the risk of being unvaccinated, especially as cases rise due to waning herd immunity.