Measles Vaccine Contributions by Olivia Cerf

The majority of people who get the vaccine do not have any side effects. The most common side effects are a fever (103ºF or higher) and a rash. Redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. Rare complications include:

• Anaphylaxis —severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
• Temporary thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)—1 in 25,000 to 1 in 2 million vaccinations
• Encephalitis or encephalopathy (inflammation or other abnormality of the brain)—1 in 1 million vaccinations
• Seizures—in children predisposed to febrile seizures (convulsion during high fevers)
• Autism - The relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism is debated.