At what age should the first dose of the MMR vaccine be administered?

At what age should the first dose of the MMR vaccine be administered?

• A. Before 12 months
• B. Between 12 and 15 months
• C. At 18 months
• D. At 24 months

Answer: (B)

The first dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended to be administered between 12 and 15 months of age. This timing aligns with recommendations from major public health entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that the child develops immunity before their first potential exposure to these viruses. The vaccine is effective at this age because the child's immune system is sufficiently developed to respond to the vaccine and generate a protective immune response. Furthermore, administering the vaccine within this age range helps contribute to herd immunity, which protects not just the vaccinated individual but also those in the community who may be vulnerable due to medical reasons. Timing of vaccination before 12 months may not produce a strong immune response, as infants carry maternal antibodies that can interfere with the effectiveness of live vaccines. Administering the vaccine at later ages, such as 18 or 24 months, can unnecessarily delay immunity and leave the child exposed during critical months when they are more susceptible to these illnesses. Thus, the recommended window of 12 to 15 months is essential for optimal health outcomes.

The first dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended to be administered between 12 and 15 months of age. This timing aligns with recommendations from major public health entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that the child develops immunity before their first potential exposure to these viruses. The vaccine is effective at this age because the child's immune system is sufficiently developed to respond to the vaccine and generate a protective immune response. Furthermore, administering the vaccine within this age range helps contribute to herd immunity, which protects not just the vaccinated individual but also those in the community who may be vulnerable due to medical reasons.

Timing of vaccination before 12 months may not produce a strong immune response, as infants carry maternal antibodies that can interfere with the effectiveness of live vaccines. Administering the vaccine at later ages, such as 18 or 24 months, can unnecessarily delay immunity and leave the child exposed during critical months when they are more susceptible to these illnesses. Thus, the recommended window of 12 to 15 months is essential for optimal health outcomes.