What is measles vaccine given for?
Measles vaccine is given for protection against measles, the typical fever with rash of childhood so well known to most of the people.

How is measles vaccine given?
It is given subcutaneous (in the fat just below the skin) over the thigh or the arm.

When is measles vaccine given?
Measles vaccine is a part of EPI schedule of Govt Of India. It is given at the age of completed 9 months (270+ days of life). During epidemics of measles the vaccine can be given as early as 6 months, but this should be followed by one more measles vaccine at 9 months. In west, children are given straight MMR at 12-15 months of age. That is due to low incidence of measles with mass effective measles vaccination. In our country, if one waits till 12-15 months many children will develop measles before that. Hence we advise measles vaccine at 9 months followed by MMR at 15 months.

When is a booster dose of measles vaccine given?
A booster in form of MMR vaccine is given at 15-18 months of age.

What if a child has developed measles before, does he need measles vaccine?
A child who suffers from measles develops life long immunity. Hence such a child does not need measles vaccine. When in doubt it is better to give measles vaccine as no harm is done even if patient has suffered from measles in past.

What is the efficacy of measles vaccine?
Measles vaccine is an excellent vaccine with more than 90% efficacy with a booster given in form of MMR. Even if a patient who is vaccinated develops measles, it is usually modified and mild with quick recovery & without serious complications.

What are the side effects of measles?
Measles vaccine is a very safe vaccine. If at all, it leads to mild pain, swelling, induration or fever. It is seen in less than 10% of patients, are transient & mild, lasts for < 24 hours & responds well to paracetamol. It can occur from the day of injection till 5-7 days. Sometimes a patient can develop measles like infection with cough, cold, red eyes & rash over skin. Again it lasts for 2-5 day & is self-limiting.

When is measles vaccine contraindicated?
In patients, with mild egg allergy, measles vaccine can lead to allergic reactions. In cases of severe egg allergy, measles & MMR vaccines are contraindicated. In case with mild egg allergy, measles or MMR vaccines can be given but with strict medical supervision and all the measures of resuscitation & drugs kept ready should the patient develop reaction.

What if the patient comes late for measles vaccine?
Measles can occur till 5-15 years of age. If a patient comes before 12 months of age, he can still be given measles vaccine. It he comes after 12 months he is given MMR or Measles vaccine, whichever he can afford.

Can measles vaccine be given along with other vaccines?
Measles vaccine can be given simultaneously with other vaccines. As measles vaccine can interfere with immunity, BCG should not be given along with it. Similarly no other vaccine should be given within 4-6 weeks of measles or MMR vaccine.