MMRImmunization - Nursing Considerations

Technique:

MMR vaccine is given subcutaneously usually in 0.5 mL doses
It can be given at the same time as other vaccines, in a different injection site
If administering other vaccines in the same visit, you will want to do the "double whammy" in children so both shots are given simultaneously to decrease discomfort
Reconstituted vaccine should be a clear yellow solution
For younger children, the nurse may demonstrate the procedure on a stuffed animal to reduce anxiety in the child
For adolescents, the nurse may provide the patient with a pamphlet to educate them on the vaccine

Patient Discomfort:

May experience redness or pain at injection site, noncontagious rash, or joint pain
Serious adverse reactions include allergic reaction febrile seizures, encephalopathy, mild meningitis

Contraindications:

Allergy to neomycin or gelatin. Observe child for 90 minutes after vaccination if allergic to egg
Immunocompromised, immunosuppressed
Pregnant women; try to avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after immunization

Ethics:

Everyone should receive the vaccine. Receiving the MMR vaccine is much less dangerous that getting the diseases
If the vaccine, is refused, the child will still be able to attend school, but a waiver must be signed
The nurse should be culturally sensitive to patients of certain ethnic groups who may refuse the vaccine