Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children

V Demicheli1, T Jefferson, A Rivetti

  • 1Servizo Sovrazonale di Epidemiologia, ASL 20, Via Venezia 6, Alessandria, Piemonte, Italy 15100. demichelivittorio@asl20.piemonte.it

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 20, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to fewer respiratory infections but may cause irritability and certain adverse events. Evidence suggests MMR is unlikely to cause autism or inflammatory bowel disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Vaccinology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Ongoing public debate regarding the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • Declining vaccination rates in some countries despite the vaccine's widespread use and efficacy.
  • Need for a comprehensive review of MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
  • To assess unintended effects and adverse events associated with MMR vaccination.
  • To evaluate the association between MMR vaccine and specific health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic literature search across multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, etc.) up to December 2004.
  • Included comparative prospective or retrospective trials of MMR vaccine versus placebo or no intervention in individuals up to 15 years of age.
  • Analyzed data from 31 eligible studies out of 139 initially identified articles.

Main Results:

  • MMR vaccination was associated with reduced incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and increased irritability.
  • Potential associations found with benign thrombocytopenic purpura, parotitis, joint complaints, febrile convulsions, and aseptic meningitis (Urabe strain).
  • MMR vaccination (Jeryl-Lynn strain) was unlikely associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autism, or aseptic meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • The reporting and design of safety outcomes in MMR vaccine studies are largely insufficient.
  • Separating the adverse events from the disease-preventing benefits of the MMR vaccine is challenging.
  • Further high-quality research is needed to adequately assess MMR vaccine safety.

More Related Videos

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen07:44

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen

Published on: May 12, 2023

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.