Adverse events following measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. A prospective observational study

Abstract

Measles outbreaks are spreading in many European countries due to parents’ refusal to vaccinate their children motivated by the fear of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to assess the adverse events (AEs) after measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination in general practice (GP). Children administered MMR vaccine according to the national immunization schedule (at about 1 year old and at about 5 years old) in two GP offices during March 2016-May 2017 were followed-up for 6 months. We collected the selected solicited symptoms and medically attended AEs (MAEs) within 4 days and 6 months after vaccination, respectively. A total of 216 children, 123 aged 8-17 months (Group 1) and 93 aged 4-7 years (Group 2) received 219 MMR vaccines. At least 1 injection site reaction was reported for 14.63% children in Group 1 and for 17.20% children in Group 2. We recorded 195 MAEs in Group 1 and 46 in Group 2. 5 MAEs were/may have been related to vaccination; all resolved without sequelae. The study confirmed the known safety profile of the MMR vaccine.