MMR
Measles, rubella and mumps can all become severe when contracted by adults and may even be fatal.
Recently, there have been reports of measles infections in Japan, making it important to take preventive measures against these common infectious diseases.
Here, we will explain the symptoms, vaccines and tests for measles, rubella and mumps.
Summary
– Measles, rubella and mumps all pose a risk of severe illness when contracted by adults.
– Measles is a concern in Japan with increasing cases, requiring vigilance.
– A single vaccine can prevent measles, rubella AND mumps.
– Test is available in case you are unsure whether you have immunity.
Please select the section to jump to.
What Are Measles, Rubella and Mumps?
Measles, rubella and mumps are highly contagious diseases that can cause severe complications in adults.
Since 2020, the number of measles cases in Japan had been decreasing.
However, since 2023, there have been reports of domestic cases triggered by imported infections. This makes it a disease of concern not only for those traveling abroad but also domestically.
Measles is a serious infectious disease that can lead to complications and even death.
It is an airborne infection, with the virus able to survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room.
It has a very high infectivity, with approximately 90% of people close to an infected person becoming infected.
Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough and runny nose. A distinctive rash appears 3-5 days after the initial symptoms.
Measles can also cause complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal.
Like measles, rubella can also be fatal. It spreads through droplet infection (when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus-containing droplets can be inhaled by others) and contact infection (using the same utensils as an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces).
While rubella symptoms are similar to measles, it resolves faster, hence the nickname “three-day measles.”
Symptoms include fever, lymphadenopathy, and rash, though about 25-50% of those infected show no symptoms.
If contracted during early pregnancy, rubella poses a risk of miscarriage or can result in congenital rubella syndrome, causing cataracts, heart defects and hearing impairments in newborns.
Thus, it is crucial for pregnant women and those around them to prevent infection.
Mumps is characterized by swelling of the parotid glands. It spreads through droplet and contact infection.
After an incubation period of 2-3 weeks, symptoms such as fever, headache, and swelling and pain in both parotid glands appear. Adults are more likely than children to experience severe complications such as encephalitis, oophoritis, orchitis, and hearing loss.
What is the MMR Vaccine?
Vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles, rubella and mumps.
In Japan, the MR vaccine, which combines measles and rubella, is commonly used. However, there is no MMR vaccine that includes mumps.
In over 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, the MMR vaccine is the standard, and its efficacy and safety are well established.
Therefore, we offer Priorix, an imported MMR vaccine.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is said to be 93% for measles, 97% for rubella, and 78% for mumps with one dose, and 97% for measles and 88% for mumps with two doses.
Currently, the measles and rubella vaccines are part of routine immunizations in Japan, with two doses available during childhood.
However, individuals born before these vaccines became routine may be unvaccinated or have only received one dose, which may not provide sufficient immunity.
If you are unsure about your vaccination status, please check your maternal and child health handbook.
(Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
Contents: A combined vaccine for measles, rubella and mumps
Price: 10,000 JPY per dose* (incl. tax)
Doses: 1 or 2 doses
Schedule: Initial dose, followed by a second dose one month later
Precautions:
– Consult your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to a vaccine.
– Do not receive the vaccine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
– HIV-positive individuals should consult their doctor.
*There is an additional consultation fee for the initial visit (2,500 JPY for first-time patients, 1,000 JPY for follow-up visits, incl. tax).
Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine
Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fever, and mild rash.
These symptoms usually resolve on their own, but if they are severe, treatment options covered by insurance may be available, so please consult us.
The vaccine we use is widely administered globally and severe side effects are extremely rare.
Although the MMR vaccine is not approved in Japan and therefore not covered by national insurance, in case of severe side effects, compensation may be available through a private insurance system for imported vaccines.
About Antibody Tests
Antibodies are proteins that attack and eliminate bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.
Having sufficient antibodies means that even if you come into contact with an infected person, you are less likely to get infected or, if you do, you are less likely to experience severe symptoms.
We offer tests to measure antibody levels in the body.
If you are unsure about getting vaccinated, it might be a good idea to check your antibody levels first.
Antibody of each of the following virus can be tested with EIA method.
– Measles: 3,000 JPY (incl. tax)
– Rubella: 3,000 JPY (incl. tax)
– Mumps: 3,000 JPY (incl. tax)
* If you are only having the test, only the test fee will be charged.
* If you wish to consult a doctor, an additional consultation fee will be charged (2,500 JPY for first-time patients, 1,000 JPY for follow-up visits, incl. tax).
* All in Japanese language
▶Changes in the Routine Rubella Vaccination System
Dr. Daisuke SHIOJIRI
Director of Personal Health Clinic, Doctor of Medicine. Providing medically accurate knowledge and compassionate care at National Center for Global Health and Medicine (Shinjuku, Tokyo) and Personal Health Clinic, focusing on STIs such as HIV and PrEP. Born in Japan and raised in Kenya, Africa, he is also licensed to practice in Kenya, where he participates in medical and educational support activities. He also serves as a visiting doctor at our clinic.
