The Relevance of Measles Vaccination and Society's View on Immunization
The relevance of the measles vaccination and how society views the immunization were both highlighted in the 2011 pediatrics study by Klein et al. in the United States. Children in the research received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) as well as the varicella vaccine (V). Those aged 1-2 years received the first dose, while those aged 4-6 years received the second. Children aged 1 to 2 years have a 7-10 day risk of febrile seizures following MMRV, which is twice as high as that following separate MMR+V. Whether MMRV+V or MMRV influences the risk for febrile seizure, cases in children aged between 4 and 6 have not been recorded.
Method
Among 4 to 6 years old children from Vaccine Safety Datalink, the researchers recognized seizures in the emergency section and health facilities from 2000-2008 as well as outpatient clients for fever from 2006-2008 during 7-10 days and 0-42 days after MMR+V and MMRV. Moreover, they used reviews from medical records to assess seizure risk after MMR+V and MMRV (Klein et al. 809-814).
Results
Between 2006 and 2008, 86750 children were exposed to MMRV, from 2000 to 2008, 67438 children received MMR+V same day. There were rare cases of seizures throughout the 42 days without peaking from 7th to 10th day. Only 1 case of febrile seizure was reported between day 7 and 10 after MMRV and no case after MMR+V (Klein et al. 809-814).
According to VAERS, the common effects of this vaccine are mild rash, fever, and a sore arm from the shot ("Measles, Mumps, Rubella, And Varicella Vaccine Vaccines | Vaccine Safety | CDC").
Overall, the vaccine is safe for children because its negative impacts were rare and its significance was at 95%. As a result, it is safe for all children.
Works Cited
Klein, N. P. et al. “Measles-Containing Vaccines And Febrile Seizures In Children Age 4 To 6 Years.” PEDIATRICS 129.5 (2012): 809-814. Web.
“Measles, Mumps, Rubella, And Varicella Vaccine Vaccines | Vaccine Safety | CDC.” Cdc.gov. N.p., 2017. Web. 26 Nov. 2017.
