The MMR vaccine is a 3-in-1 combination vaccine offering protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). While only the measles vaccine is mandatory, many parents opt for the MMR vaccine for the added protection from mumps and rubella because both infections can cause serious complications. Unfortunately, the MMR vaccine has also received a lot of negative press because of supposed links to autism which is totally unfounded.
Measles is a contagious viral infection that is common in childhood. Measles is also known as rubeola and should not be confused with rubella (German measles) although they may present with similar symptoms. In most cases, measles is not life threatening but in babies or HIV/AIDS patients, there is a possibility of death due to the complications associated with measles.
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