A study by scientists from the University of Georgia claims that the MMR vaccine may protect some people against severe Covid-19 (a 29% lower chance), and may prevent some people from catching the coronavirus. Those with the highest antibody levels specific to mumps were 'immune' to Covid-19, but the same effect was not seen for measles and rubella antibodies. This is a possible explanation of why children only seem to get mild Covid-19 illness, if any at all.
Other scientists have also theorised that this could explain the lower Covid-19 death rate in continents with measle-free status, including Africa and Asia.
A team at Cambridge University found in April 2020 that part of the coronavirus structure is similar to mumps, measles and rubella.
All children in the UK are offered the vaccine and around 91% currently are immunised by their second birthday. The first jab is given from nine months old, and another before they are six years old. While antibodies fade over time, they can still offer some protection against viruses. Mumps antibodies decline by the age of 14, which is the same age as coronavirus prevalence increases sharply.
The MMR II vaccine (introduced in the early 1970's) is considered a safe vaccine with very few side effects. Study researcher Dr. Hurley suggests that adults over the age of 40 should be given the MMR jab if they have never had it.
Source: Various news media.
