Priorix vaccine: protection against measles, mumps, rubella
Measles are caused by viruses and can lead to complications in every tenth person affected. The virus is transmitted from person to person in the form of a droplet infection and can be particularly dangerous for risk groups. These include, for example, unvaccinated pregnant women, infants, and people with weakened immune systems who are not themselves vaccinated against measles.
Measles in a nutshell
A measles infection is noticeable through symptoms such as high fever , cough , runny nose and inflammation in the nose and throat. The skin rash typical of measles only appears after a few days on the face and behind the ears and then spreads over the whole body. Serious complications of measles include encephalitis and its consequential damage such as paralysis or mental retardation.
In order to protect children and adults, parents must prove that their children have been vaccinated against measles as part of the Measles Protection Act before they enter a community facility (kindergarten, school). This also applies to adults who work in community facilities or nursing professions.
Since 2018, single vaccines against measles are no longer available in the EU. In addition to the triple vaccination against MMR, a quadruple vaccination MMRV (additional protection against chickenpox ) can also be given. The advantage is fewer individual vaccinations, which in turn also reduces the frequency of possible side effects. The Priorix vaccine is usually just as effective as single vaccines.
MMR: Priorix vaccination for children and adults
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends the measles vaccination as a primary immunization for young children as a combination vaccine with mumps and rubella . One then speaks of the MMR vaccination. Adults who were born after 1970 and have an unclear vaccination status should also have the basic immunization.
Measles vaccination for children and adolescents
The MMR vaccination can be given to children from the age of ten months and consists of two vaccinations:
The first vaccination should be given between the eleventh and fourteenth month. If there is an increased risk of infection, the vaccine can be given earlier.
The second vaccination should be given before the second birthday at the latest. There must be at least four weeks between the two vaccinations.
Older children and young people who have only received their first measles vaccination should do so as soon as possible.
When entering school or other community facilities, the second measles vaccination and thus complete immunization within the framework of the Measles Protection Act must be proven.
Priorix vaccination for adults
The Measles Protection Act also applies to adults who were born after 1970 and work in the following professional fields:
- Employees in community facilities (KiTas, kindergarten, refugee accommodation)
- medical staff
- educators
- teachers
- day care workers
- Employees in hospitals and medical practices
For your own protection and the protection of others, it is advisable to check the entire vaccination status every ten years and to refresh certain vaccinations if necessary.
Priorix vaccine side effects
The vaccination is generally well tolerated. As with any vaccination, this vaccine can also trigger possible vaccination reactions. This includes:
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- upper respiratory tract infection
- skin rash
- Fever (measured rectally over 38 degrees Celsius; orally or under the armpit over 37.5 degrees Celsius
Occasionally, the vaccination can also cause loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems and middle ear infections . One in 10 million doses administered can cause a rare encephalitis as a side effect. The risk of contracting encephalitis from the Priorix vaccine is much lower than contracting it naturally.