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Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and COVID-19: a systematic review
Moslem Taheri Soodejani1, Moslem Basti1, Seyyed Mohammad Tabatabaei2
1Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd, Iran.
Abstract:
This study was performed to investigate published literature about the association between measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and COVID-19. This is a systematic review in which the databases of Chocrane, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science as well as reliable journals including Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, Jama and also Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publications were searched.Out of 169 documents discovered during the literature review, 56 ones were somehow related to the association between MMR vaccine and COVID-19, of which 11 ones mentioned the association between these two, and 8 of them contained a hypothesis about this relationship. A quasi-trial study reported the positive effect of the MMR vaccine on reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms among those who received it. Also, a cross-sectional study showed an association between the level of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) mumps and COVID-19. Moreover, a genomic data analysis study also reported the effect of Rubella Immunoglobulin G (IgG) level on COVID-19. It seems that due to the similarity of respiratory diseases including measles, rubella, and mumps to COVID-19, MMR vaccine should be investigated more deeply to see if it is effective in order to deal with this novel disease.
Insights
This systematic review explored the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic prompted investigation into potential protective effects of existing vaccines.
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, targeting common respiratory pathogens, was considered for its potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize published literature on the association between the MMR vaccine and COVID-19.
- To identify studies investigating any potential link, hypothesis, or effect of the MMR vaccine on COVID-19 severity or outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and key journals/organizations (Lancet, NEJM, JAMA, CDC).
- Included studies were screened for relevance to the MMR vaccine and COVID-19 association, with a focus on reported associations, hypotheses, and empirical findings.
Main Results:
- Out of 169 documents, 56 were related to the MMR vaccine and COVID-19; 11 mentioned an association, and 8 proposed hypotheses.
- A quasi-trial suggested the MMR vaccine may reduce COVID-19 symptom severity.
- Studies indicated associations between mumps/rubella immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and COVID-19, and genomic analysis suggested Rubella IgG's effect.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests a potential positive effect of the MMR vaccine on COVID-19 severity.
- Further in-depth investigation is warranted due to the etiological similarities between measles, mumps, rubella, and COVID-19.
- The role of the MMR vaccine in managing COVID-19 requires more rigorous research.
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