Delayed Vaccination: MMR and Other Pediatric Concerns - Pediatrics

More Info

---

When it comes to vaccination schedules for children, particularly regarding the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, it is essential to follow the guidelines set by health authorities to ensure optimal protection against these diseases. In your case, your child is currently one year and two months old and missed the measles vaccine at nine months. The recommendation from your doctor to wait until the next visit to administer the MMR vaccine is consistent with current vaccination practices.

The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses: the first dose is given between 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 4 to 6 years of age. If your child is now over 12 months old, it is appropriate to proceed with the MMR vaccination. The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine is quite high; after the first dose, about 93% of children will be protected against measles, and after the second dose, this protection rises to about 97%. Therefore, even if your child missed the measles vaccine at nine months, receiving the MMR vaccine now will provide significant immunity.

Regarding the duration of immunity, studies have shown that the MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection. Most individuals who receive the vaccine will have immunity for life, significantly reducing the risk of contracting these diseases later in life.
As for administering the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine simultaneously with the MMR vaccine, it is generally safe to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that multiple vaccines can be given at the same visit, as long as they are not live vaccines that are contraindicated for simultaneous administration. The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, and the varicella vaccine is also a live vaccine; however, they can be given together without any issues. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine can also be administered at the same time, but it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that the specific vaccines are appropriate for your child's health status and vaccination history.

In summary, it is perfectly acceptable for your child to receive the MMR vaccine at this age, and it will provide robust protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The immunity from the MMR vaccine is long-lasting, and it is safe to administer the varicella and Japanese encephalitis vaccines concurrently. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your child’s vaccination schedule is up to date. This proactive approach will help safeguard your child's health and contribute to community immunity against these preventable diseases.