MMR is one of several vaccines that your children will likely receive when they are between ages 2 and 6. Many schools and childcare providers require all attendees have the shot in order to prevent an outbreak of disease. It's important that parents understand why their children must have these vaccines and what each one is. Here is a bit about the MMR vaccine:

The MMR vaccine

This shot stands for measles, mumps and rubella. According to Merck, the company that makes the vaccines, each shot contains small amounts of the live viruses that cause the three diseases. When the body of the child being vaccinated realizes the presence of the viruses, it immediately performs an immune response. This in turn prevents the kid from getting the full blown version of each disease. Children ages 12-15 months should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine. Then, the second dose is typically administered via injection between ages four and six. There is also a version of this injection called the MMRV which provides protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, commonly known as chicken pox. Your child's pediatrician will decide if this option is best for him or her.

Understanding the diseases

The Mayo Clinic noted that measles can cause coughing, runny nose, rashes, fever and red, watery eyes.  Mumps have similar symptoms, along with headache, tiredness, swollen salivary glands, muscle aches and loss of appetite. Rubella symptoms resemble measles. The health institution shared that the MMR vaccine is safe, and that most people who have the immunization do not have any issues with it. Having the vaccine could possibly save your child's life and is worth the few potential side effects like mild rash, sore arm at the shot site and a fever.

Children who travel outside of the country may require additional vaccines. 

Travel and MMR

Healthy Children noted that infants who travel outside of the U.S. before age one may require an earlier dose of the MMR vaccine. If your family is heading out of the country with a little one in tow, speak with your doctor beforehand to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on any necessary shots as well as preventative medications that are relevant to the area of the world that you'll be traveling through.

MMR vaccine and autism

In the past few years, people have claimed their children became autistic after receiving an MMR vaccine. These individuals and families became known for preaching not to vaccinate children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thoroughly looked into the matter through a series of studies on thimerosal, a preservative added to the vaccines that was potentially linked to autism in recently vaccinated kids. Of the nine studies cited by the CDC, none found a relationship between the disease and the vaccination. You can rest assured knowing that helping your child's body prevent measles, mumps and rubella through two shots is an important and safe preventative measure.