Can the MMR vaccine protect you against COVID-19?
You might have different things effective against COVID-19 and you have considered trying them. But one of the things science has found to be effective against the virus is the MMR vaccine. It has been found out people who had antibodies against the measles, suffered from less severe COVID-19 and were less likely to be infected.
Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center produces the findings of this research in simple language and explains whether you should receive an MMR vaccine against the COVID-19.
The experience has shown that COVID-19 is less severe on children than other age groups such as the elderly. The health experts and scientists are doing research to find out the reason behind so to find a cure or way to stop COVID-19.
Among several pieces of research that have been conducted, some have found out that one reason could be measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
In a study which was published in the journal mBio, the involved researchers concluded that the people who had lower levels of antibodies against mumps suffered from more severe symptoms of COVID-19. This is while those who had higher levels of antibodies experienced less severe symptoms and conditions.
Among subjects with COVID-19 cases who were asymptomatic and functionally immune, researchers found that high mumps titers (134 to 300AU/ml) were associated with MMR II vaccination only. The mumps titer values of moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 were all low (below 75 AU/ml).”
David J. Hurley is one of the co-authors of this study. He is also a professor and molecular microbiologist at the University of Georgia. He indicates that the relation between the COVID-19 and mumps titers suggests that further research must be conducted, according to Healthline. Hurley states that the “MMR vaccine is a safe vaccine that has very few side effects. If the MMR vaccine can help to decrease the severity or prevent from becoming infected or maybe preventing the spread of COVID-19, It’s a very low-risk factor to help control the virus”, says Hurley.
Further study and research are required. But if the findings prove right, it means people will have some level of immunity against COVID-19 by receiving the MMR vaccine.
The results in different age groups
What were the findings of this research for the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine on different age groups? The answer is that the findings were true among people of all ages.
The researchers used some of the gathered data from the CDC. It became clear the children were less likely to develop COVID-19 seven times compared to others. The data indicate that people start to develop COVID-19 slowly by age 5. The figures rise significantly by the age of 14. Then the rates decrease at the age of 21.
Researchers looked at the MMR vaccination history. They saw that mumps antibodies seem to decrease at about 14. Also, some of the adults might have antibodies due to vaccinations or booster shots.
How MMR vaccine could protect against the COVID-19?
The question that comes into every ones’ mind is that how is it possible that a vaccine protective against a different virus could help against a new virus.
Dr. Shruti Gohil is an associate medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UCI Health in California. She explains how it is possible.
In an interview with Healthline, Gohil explains that “The answer lies in how your immune system works and that there is some similarity in how viruses work.”
Gohil explains that when you receive the vaccine, your body sends it to other parts of your body. Your body learns how to react outside the time of infection. Some of the viruses that cause diseases in the upper respiratory tract could have a similar mechanism to cause sickness in your body. So if you have the same antibody that protects against the protein that causes MMR, your body can react to the same protein that causes COVID”, Dr. Shruti Gohil explains to Healthline.
Should you receive the MMR vaccine now to protect against COVID-19?
You might be searching for the nearest center To receive the MMR vaccine right now. But you need to stop for a while and listen to experts.
Dr. Don L. Goldenberg is an emeritus professor of medicine and works at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He explained to Healthline that “we should not administer the MMR vaccine to adults because it reduces the risk of COVID-19 until full randomized clinical trials demonstrate efficacy”.
Goldenberg indicates that “we need to be thoughtful about the findings.” Also, Dr. Gohil says that there has been no conducted research on giving the MMR boosters to adults, and researchers have not done any research on side effects. More research is needed to recommend that the MMR vaccine is effective against COVID-19.
Who should receive the MMR vaccine?
The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine against COVID-19 needs further research and clinical trial. But the people who need to receive the vaccine would better take it sooner whether it provides safety against COVID or not.
CDC recommends that the following groups receive the MMR vaccine:
Children
They receive the vaccine in two doses. The first is 12 to 15 months of age, and the next one should be given at 4 to 6 years of age. If there is an outbreak of measles or the child is traveling to a place where the disease is common, receiving the vaccine is necessary.
Students
The students who are not immune to measles receive the vaccine in two doses. There must be a 28 days interval between the first one and the second dose.
Adults
People who have not received the MMR vaccine before need to be vaccinated at least with one dosage.
Women of childbearing age
They need to consult with their physician to receive the vaccine.
International travelers and healthcare staff
The two groups need to receive the shots as they might work with people who are infected or go to an area where there is the disease.
Let’s sum up…
The article explained the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine against the COVID-19 and the findings of the new research. You do not need to take the vaccine as the effectiveness needs further research. However, if you are among the groups that need the vaccine and have not received it, you can take it at Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center.
