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MEASLES VACCINE

• What is Measles ?

• What are the complications of Measles ?

• When do I immunize my child ?

• Any side effects ?

What is Measles ?

Measles is a viral infection of the respiratory passage and usually manifests as a fever of 2-3 days following which there will a red rash on the body - beginning from behind the ear- spreading to the face and then going downwards to reach the feet finally - this entire rash progression may take some 3-4 days and a further 4-5 days may be taken up in the disappearance of the rash. There would usually be associated cold , cough and red eyes and the child would usually be quite cranky. All these are the usual symptoms of Typical Measles. What makes the disease more dangerous is the complications and these complications account for a major number of childhood illnesses and deaths.

What are the complications of Measles ?

Pneumonia     This is the most common complication of measles that may lead to death

Meningitis           ( Brain fever )Manifesting as fits / fainting / loss of consciousness / paralysis / coma

Bloody Diarrhea

Pus discharge from ears ( suppurative otitis media)

Children become more prone to contact Tuberculosis from the environment since Measles suppresses the natural immunity of the body.

When do I immunize my child ?

It is taken at 9 months age.
One must remember that even after vaccination protective immunity takes some 10 days for development - the implication being that the child is susceptible for some 10 days even after vaccination. How many times in a lifetime is it given ? It is given only once in a lifetime. In case it has been given before the age of 9 months then you need to repeat a dose at the age of 9 months.

Any side effects ?

None usually.