ZyVac MMR is a combination vaccine that provides comprehensive protection against three highly contagious viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. This essential pediatric vaccine is a cornerstone of childhood immunization schedules worldwide, helping to prevent serious complications and protecting public health. ZyVac MMR uses live, attenuated (weakened) viruses to stimulate robust, long-lasting immunity without causing the diseases themselves.
🛡️ Three Diseases - One Vaccine
🔴
Measles
Highly contagious viral infection causing fever, rash, and potentially serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
🧬 Edmonston Zagreb Strain
😷
Mumps
Viral infection causing swollen salivary glands, fever, and can lead to meningitis, deafness, and fertility issues in males.
🧬 Hoshino Strain
🎗️
Rubella
Contagious viral infection (German measles) that can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
🧬 RA27/3 Strain
🧬 Vaccine Strains - Proven Effectiveness
- Measles: Edmonston Zagreb Strain - Well-established strain providing excellent immunity with minimal side effects
- Mumps: Hoshino Strain - Reliable strain offering strong protection against mumps infection
- Rubella: RA27/3 Strain - Gold standard rubella strain used globally with proven long-term efficacy
🔬 How ZyVac MMR Works
💊 Live Attenuated Vaccine Technology
ZyVac MMR contains live viruses that have been weakened (attenuated) so they cannot cause disease but can still trigger a strong immune response.
- Weakened viruses: Live but attenuated to be non-pathogenic (cannot cause disease)
- Natural immunity simulation: Creates immunity similar to natural infection without the risks
- Strong immune response: Stimulates both antibody production and cellular immunity
- Long-lasting protection: Provides immunity that can last for decades, often lifelong
- Immunological memory: Trains immune system to recognize and fight these viruses
Immune System Activation
When ZyVac MMR is administered, the weakened viruses stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and activate immune cells. This creates immunological memory, so if the vaccinated person is later exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella, their immune system can quickly mount a defense and prevent illness.
📅 IAP Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends a 3-dose schedule for optimal protection:
1
Primary Dose
- Age: 9-12 months
- Purpose: Initial immunity development
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Site: Upper arm or thigh
IAP Schedule
2
First Booster
- Age: 15-18 months (second year)
- Timing: 4-8 weeks after first dose OR in second year
- Purpose: Strengthens and ensures immunity
- Critical: Must be given for long-term protection
IAP Schedule
3
Second Booster
- Age: 4-6 years
- Purpose: Long-term immunity reinforcement
- School entry: Often given before school starts
- Protection: Ensures lifelong immunity
IAP Schedule
🏥 Administration Details
How ZyVac MMR is Given
- Route: Subcutaneous (SC) injection - just under the skin
- Injection sites: Upper arm (deltoid area) or anterolateral thigh
- Dose volume: 0.5 mL per dose
- Preparation: Vaccine must be reconstituted before administration
- Storage: Refrigerated at 2-8°C; protect from light
- Total doses as per IAP: 3 doses for complete protection
💊 Side Effects
✓ Generally Safe & Well-Tolerated
ZyVac MMR has an excellent safety profile. Most children experience no side effects or only mild, temporary reactions.
Common Side Effects (Mild & Temporary)
- Mild rash: Light rash may appear 7-10 days after vaccination
- Mild fever: Low-grade temperature elevation (common 7-12 days post-vaccination)
- Injection site reactions: Swelling, redness, or tenderness at injection site
- Temporary joint pain: More common in adults and adolescents (especially females)
- Swollen glands: Mild swelling of lymph nodes (rare)
Important: Severe reactions are extremely rare. These mild side effects are signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine and building protection. Most side effects resolve within a few days without treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy and Lactation
⚠️ Not Recommended During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: ZyVac MMR is NOT recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical risk to the fetus from live virus vaccine
- Pregnancy avoidance: Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month (28 days) after receiving MMR vaccine
- Pre-vaccination: Pregnancy testing is not required before vaccination, but women should be counseled about the pregnancy precaution
- Accidental vaccination: If vaccine is given during pregnancy, no intervention is needed, but inform healthcare provider
- Lactation: Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers - the vaccine can be given while nursing
- Consultation: Always discuss with healthcare provider if breastfeeding
👶 Age Range & Eligibility
✓ Approved Age Groups
- Minimum age: 9 months old
- Primary vaccination: 9-12 months (first dose)
- First booster: 15-18 months (second year of life)
- Second booster: 4-6 years
- Catch-up vaccination: Available for older children and adults who missed doses
🚫 Contraindications
When NOT to Give ZyVac MMR
- Severe allergic reactions: History of anaphylaxis to any vaccine component, including:
- Gelatin
- Neomycin (antibiotic)
- Any other vaccine component
- Severe immunodeficiency: Individuals with compromised immune systems, including:
- SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency)
- HIV/AIDS with severe immunosuppression
- Congenital immunodeficiency disorders
- Immunosuppressive treatments: Patients currently on:
- High-dose corticosteroids (systemic steroids)
- Immunomodulators
- Alkylating agents (chemotherapy)
- Antimetabolites (chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
- Pregnancy: Not recommended during pregnancy - wait until after delivery
- Acute severe illness: Postpone vaccination if child has high fever or severe illness (mild illness is not a contraindication)
- Recent blood products: May need to delay vaccination if recent blood transfusion or immunoglobulin administration (consult healthcare provider)
Always inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, medications, or recent treatments before vaccination.
🌍 Critical Role in Public Health
- Disease elimination: MMR vaccination has dramatically reduced measles, mumps, and rub
