The MR vaccine or Measles and Rubella vaccine is a vaccine to prevent measles (measles) and rubella (German measles). Measles and rubella are caused by different viral infections, but both can be transmitted through air contaminated with the virus. The MR vaccine is one type of vaccination that must be given to children from 9 months to less than 15 years of age.

The MR vaccine contains an attenuated virus. The injection of the MR vaccine will help the body recognize and form immunity (antibodies), so that it can fight the viruses that cause measles and rubella.

Precautions Before Receiving the MR Vaccine

The MR vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer at a health facility. Note the following points before undergoing vaccination with the MR vaccine:

Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. The MR vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to this vaccine or the ingredients in the vaccine product.
Tell the doctor if you or your child has a fever, vaccination will be postponed until the fever subsides and the condition improves.
Tell your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, heart failure, an infectious disease, kidney failure, or a blood disorder, including leukemia or anemia.
Tell your doctor if you are having radiotherapy or treatment with immunosuppressant drugs, including corticosteroids.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. The MR vaccine can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby if it is given to pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you will have the Mantoux test within 4–6 weeks of being vaccinated with the MR vaccine.
Tell your doctor if you plan to have a blood transfusion or therapy with immunoglobulins.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using the MR vaccine.

MR Vaccine Dosage and Schedule

The MR vaccine is one type of mandatory vaccination for children. According to immunization recommendations issued by IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), the schedule for MR vaccine injection can be done from 9 months to less than 15 years of age.

This vaccine can also be given to adults who have not been vaccinated with the MR vaccine. Children who get their first dose of MR vaccine when they are 9 months old will get a second dose at 18 months old, and will get a third dose when they are about 6 years old. To prevent measles and rubella, the dose of MR vaccine for children and adults is 0.5 ml. The drug is given by injection into the skin (subcutaneous injection) or by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection).

How to Give MR Vaccine

The MR vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The injection is done in the upper arm. After receiving the MR vaccine, the child or person being vaccinated must wait 30 minutes at the vaccination service. This is done to anticipate post-immunization follow-up events (AEFI). AEFIs are all complaints or medical conditions that may be related to vaccination, including allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients and vaccine side effects.

MR vaccine storage is carried out by vaccine officers according to standard operating procedures. Vaccines and vaccine solvents need to be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2–8°C and protected from direct sunlight.

MR Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs

The risk of developing infection or decreasing the effectiveness of the MR vaccine may increase if this vaccine is given with drugs that have immunosuppressive effects, such as hydrocortisone, infliximab, nilotinib, or omacetaxine. To prevent unwanted drug interactions, be sure to consult with your doctor before you or your child is given the MR vaccine, especially if you are on therapy or taking any medications or supplements.

MR Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers

The MR vaccine is safe and rarely causes harmful side effects. However, in some people complaints can appear, such as fever, rash, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Generally, this complaint will subside by itself. If the symptoms do not improve or get worse, see a doctor. In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction that can be characterized by swelling of the lips or eyelids, an itchy and widespread rash, or difficulty breathing.