Patient education: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (The Basics)

What is the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine? — This is a vaccine that comes as a shot. It is also called the "MMR" vaccine. It protects against 3 different infections:

●Measles – This can cause a rash, fever, and cough. It is very contagious.

●Mumps – This causes swelling of the glands in front of the ears and above the jaw.

●Rubella – This causes a rash on the face and body. If a pregnant person gets rubella, it can be very dangerous.

All of these infections are caused by viruses. In some cases, they can lead to serious problems.

Another vaccine protects against these 3 infections plus chickenpox, which is also called "varicella." This is called the "MMRV" vaccine. It can be given to children 1 through 12 years of age.

Why should I get the MMR vaccine? — It can lower your chances of getting measles, mumps, or rubella. If you do get sick, being vaccinated can keep you from getting severely ill. Being vaccinated also helps keep people around you from getting sick.

Who should get the MMR vaccine? — In the US, experts recommend that all children get the MMR vaccine. This is done as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The vaccine is also recommended for people who are not sure if they had the vaccine as a child.

People who should get the MMR vaccine include:

●Children – The vaccine is given in 2 separate doses. They are usually given at the ages of:

•12 to 15 months

•4 to 6 years

●Older children and adults – Other people who might need the MMR vaccine include:

•Hospital or health care workers

•Students who don't have written proof of 2 shots

•Adults born in 1957 or later who are not sure if they are immune to these infections

•People traveling outside of the US who don't have written proof that they got the vaccine

Who should not get the MMR vaccine? — Some people should not get the MMR vaccine. This includes:

●Pregnant people – The MMR vaccine is not given during pregnancy. If you want to get pregnant, it is important to make sure that you are up to date with your MMR vaccine at least 1 month before you start trying. Getting these infections while you are pregnant can cause serious problems.

●People with a very weak immune system – This includes some people with HIV infection or certain types of cancer, or people who take certain medicines. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor can talk to you about whether you should get the MMR vaccine.

What side effects can the MMR vaccine cause? — The MMR vaccine might cause some side effects. These can include:

●Redness, swelling, or soreness where the shot was given

●Fever

●Rash

●Swollen lymph nodes

●Joint pain

Like all vaccines, the MMR vaccine sometimes causes more serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions. But serious side effects are rare.

After doing many careful studies, scientists have not found any link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

More on this topic

Patient education: Measles (The Basics)
Patient education: Mumps (The Basics)
Patient education: Rubella (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for babies and children age 0 to 6 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines and pregnancy (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaccines for infants and children age 0 to 6 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccination during pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)