Measles vaccination is performed with a live vaccine containing a weakened vaccine virus. The current vaccine used in Poland is mainly the MMR triple vaccine, containing measles, mumps and rubella viruses.
Symptoms and course rash after measles vaccination
As the vaccine contains a weakened, live measles virus, it is possible that symptoms resembling those of mild measles, mainly in the form of a rash, may develop after vaccination. This is seen in around 15% of vaccinated children.
The fine-spotted rash appears between 5 and 12 days after vaccination.
It is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- fever not exceeding 39 degrees,
- rhinosinusitis
- gastrointestinal symptoms.
These symptoms usually last no longer than 1-2 days.
When to go to the doctor and treating the rash after measles vaccination
Always contact your doctor if symptoms occur before the 5th day after vaccination (this excludes post-vaccination mild measles, which has a minimum incubation period of 5 days). A paediatrician or GP should also be consulted for any symptoms that are unclear, atypical and last longer than 1-2 days.
Treatment rash after measles vaccination
At home, only antipyretics should be given when the temperature is above 38 degrees. Post-vaccination measles usually does not require any special management. The child is not infectious to the environment.
