MMR vaccine

Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious illnesses caused by viruses that spread from one person to another.

Getting infected with the rubella virus (also known as German Measles) during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or serious birth defects.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live virus vaccine that helps prevent these diseases. This vaccine does not treat an infection you may already have.

The MMR vaccine is intended for people who are 12 months old and older. The CDC may suggest the MMR vaccine for some infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Like any vaccine, the MMR vaccine may not protect every person from disease.

Read all vaccine information sheets provided to you.

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle or under the skin, usually in a series of 1 to 3 shots. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic.

This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis for up to 6 weeks. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received an MMR vaccine.

In children:

• The first shot is usually given at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose is usually given at 4 to 6 years of age, or before the child starts elementary school.
• The CDC recommends an MMR vaccine for infants 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling outside the United States.
• A child who has received this vaccine before 12 months of age should still receive an MMR vaccine at age 12 to 15 months, followed by a booster shot at the recommended ages of 4 to 6 years for long-lasting protection.

In adults:

• Adults may need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine, depending on their risk. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Where there has been a measles outbreak, local health departments may recommend 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine for children as young as 6 months old, and for older children and adults who are not already immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

If you have been exposed to measles, MMR vaccine may be given within 72 hours after exposure. During a mumps outbreak, a third dose of MMR vaccine may be recommended for some people at increased risk.

Your booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

You should not receive this vaccine again if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or any vaccine that contains measles, mumps, and rubella.

You should not get this vaccine again if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or any vaccine that contains measles, mumps, and rubella or if you have:

• a life-threatening allergy to gelatin or neomycin;
• active untreated tuberculosis; or
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicines, chemotherapy, or radiation.

You can still get a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you are better before getting this vaccine.

Your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• an allergy to eggs;
• seizures, or a family history of seizures;
• a low blood platelet count or a history of thrombocytopenia;
• congenital or hereditary immune system problems; or
• if you have received an immune globulin or a blood or plasma transfusion.

Tell your doctor if you received another live vaccine in the past month or plan to receive one. This vaccine may be given at the same time as another live vaccine. If the vaccines are not given at the same time, they should be given 1 month apart.

You should not get this vaccine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within the next month. Avoid getting pregnant for 1 month after receiving this vaccine.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed after receiving this vaccine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with measles, mumps, or rubella may be more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• high fever (especially within a few hours or a few days after the vaccine);
• red, tender bumps under your skin;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• new or worsening cough, trouble breathing;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• a seizure; or
• severe headache, a change in behavior or consciousness, or difficulty walking.

Joint pain or swelling may occur, especially in teenage girls and adult women. Swelling of the testicles may also occur in men.

Common side effects of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may include:

• fever;
• rash; or
• pain where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Mumps Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once

Usual Adult Dose for Rubella Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once

Usual Adult Dose for Measles Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL, subcutaneously, once

Usual Pediatric Dose for Mumps Prophylaxis:

12 months of age and older:0.5 mL, subcutaneously, onceComments:-Primary vaccination is recommended at 12 to 15 months.-Revaccination is recommended prior to elementary school entry.-Children vaccinated when younger than 12 months should receive another dose at 12 to 15 months of age, as well as revaccination before school entry.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Rubella Prophylaxis:

12 months of age and older:0.5 mL, subcutaneously, onceComments:-Primary vaccination is recommended at 12 to 15 months.-Revaccination is recommended prior to elementary school entry.-Children vaccinated when younger than 12 months should receive another dose at 12 to 15 months of age, as well as revaccination before school entry.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Measles Prophylaxis:

12 months of age and older:0.5 mL, subcutaneously, onceComments:-Primary vaccination is recommended at 12 to 15 months.-Revaccination is recommended prior to elementary school entry.-Children vaccinated when younger than 12 months should receive another dose at 12 to 15 months of age, as well as revaccination before school entry.

Call your doctor if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind schedule. You should get the next dose as soon as you can. There is no need to start over.

Make sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine, or you may not be fully protected against infection.

An overdose of this vaccine is not likely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about any other vaccines you have had recently.

Let the vaccination provider know if you have recently taken any drugs or treatments that can weaken your immune system, such as:

• steroid medicine;
• chemotherapy or radiation treatments;
• medications for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for organ transplant rejection prevention or treatment.

Other drugs may impact this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.