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| - Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A message is circulating on social media claiming that a newly invented injection for smallpox treatment MR – VAC is a slow poison for children and has been banned in many countries. We investigated and found that the message was false.
The Claim
A post is widely circulated across social media warning people not to use the newly invented injection MR – VAC as it is a slow poison for their children.
Fact Check
What is MR – VAC?
MR – VAC is a vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. It is designed to protect against measles and rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases. The vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine, meaning it contains weakened forms of the measles and rubella viruses that stimulate the immune system to develop immunity without causing the diseases.
What are measles and rubella?
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that is generally mild in children but can cause severe birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts the virus. Symptoms include a rash, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Both diseases are preventable through vaccination, making MR – VAC an essential tool in public health.
Is smallpox treatment MR – VAC, actually a slow poison for children?
No, MR – VAC is not a slow poison for children. No, MR – VAC is not a slow poison for children. It is a licensed vaccine for measles and rubella, not for smallpox. This vaccine is safe and well-tolerated according to the Serum Institute of India (SII), WHO, and UNICEF.
THIP searched about the medicine MR – VAC on Google search. We searched the keywords “MEASLES AND RUBELLA VACCINE (LIVE) I.P.” and found that the medicine has been manufactured by SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA PVT. LTD.
Upon visiting the company’s website, the medicine’s route of administration, safety information, its composition and immunisation schedule was clearly stated. It was mentioned that the medicine MR-VAC is recommended and is highly safe and well tolerated.
The description also stated that all side effects of the medicine are usually transient and resolve completely.
THIP further searched about the medicine and found that MR – VAC has been listed on the official website of World Health Organization (WHO).
As per UNICEF, MR- VAC is a licensed vaccine. It is for measles rubella and not for smallpox. It is also among the WHO prequalified vaccines. The medicine is safe to use.
Why is MR-VAC confused with a smallpox vaccine?
The confusion may arise from the name similarity and lack of public awareness about vaccine types and their specific uses. Measles and rubella are distinct from smallpox, which has its vaccine known as the smallpox vaccine. Understanding the difference is important for avoiding misinformation.
Is MR-VAC safe for children?
Yes, MR-VAC is safe for children. As per the Serum Institute of India and validated by WHO and UNICEF, the vaccine is well-tolerated, and any side effects are temporary. Its prequalification by WHO further ascertains its safety profile and effectiveness.
How to verify vaccine information?
To verify vaccine information, always refer to reliable sources such as the manufacturer’s website, the World Health Organization, and national health departments. Avoid relying on unverified social media posts, as these can often spread misinformation. Several claims on the internet go viral for wrong reasons, like someone with a flu shot is infectious for the flu, and hence should stay at home. There’s also viral misinformation regarding the life-saving COVID vaccines. For instance, some people say that COVID-19 vaccines can cause heart defects or can even lead to genital herpes. However, these allegations are baseless and false. Vaccines have been pivotal in saving lives and eradicating diseases like Smallpox (1980), Polio (2014), Plague, Rinderpest (the Cattle Plague), Yaws and Maternal And Neonatal Tetanus (2015) in India.
What are the side effects of MR-VAC?
The side effects of MR-VAC are generally mild and temporary. They may include minor reactions such as redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or rash. These side effects usually resolve on their own without requiring medical intervention.
How to address vaccine misinformation?
Addressing vaccine misinformation involves making the public aware about the importance of vaccines, their safety, and their role in preventing diseases. Engaging with healthcare professionals and trusted organisations like WHO can help dispel myths and provide correct health information.
THIP Media Take
The post claiming that the smallpox vaccine MR-VAC is a slow poison for children is false. MR-VAC is not a smallpox vaccine; it is a licensed vaccine for measles and rubella, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. It is safe, well-tolerated, and prequalified by WHO. Misinformation about vaccines can be dangerous. Thus, verifying facts through reliable sources is essential.
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