Overview

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a shot that can protect you and your child from getting measles, mumps and rubella. These are serious viral infections that can cause complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, hearing loss and death.

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The MMR vaccine combines three vaccines into a single shot. Children ages 12 months to 12 years may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also includes the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

Is MMR a live vaccine?

Yes, the MMR vaccine contains weakened (attenuated) live viruses. These weakened viruses won’t give you the full-blown illness if you have a healthy immune system. But, after vaccination, your immune system will recognize the viruses and should have the tools to fight it off if you’re exposed to one of them in the future (immunity).

Procedure Details

MMR vaccine schedule

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get two doses of the MMR vaccine. Children can receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. You can choose to receive the second dose earlier than 4 through 6 years, as long as it’s at least 28 days after the first dose.

Providers recommend that babies between the ages of 6 and 11 months who’ll be traveling internationally to areas where measles is spreading get one dose two weeks before they travel. Then, they’ll follow the childhood immunization schedule and still receive two doses at the usual recommended ages.

If you’re not sure whether you or your child has had the MMR vaccine, a provider might suggest getting one or two doses just to be safe.

Do you need the MMR vaccine as an adult?

You might. If you haven’t had two doses of the live (attenuated) MMR vaccine or if you’re unsure about your vaccination history, talk to your provider about what they recommend. Unless you have certain health conditions (like a weakened immune system), they might suggest getting at least one shot.

They also might recommend getting additional doses if:

You work in healthcare
You or your child is going off to college and you’re unsure of vaccination history
You plan to travel internationally
You’re in an area where measles or mumps is spreading, or plan to travel to one (public health experts may recommend another dose during a mumps outbreak)
You’re considering pregnancy and you’re unsure of your vaccination history — your provider may recommend an MMR before you get pregnant (wait at least 28 days after the shot to get pregnant)

Who shouldn’t get the MMR vaccine?

You shouldn’t get the MMR vaccine if you:

Have a weakened immune system
Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
Have severe, life-threatening allergies to any part of the vaccine

Talk to your provider if you:

Have a health condition that makes you bleed or bruise easily, or you’ve had one in the past
Have recently received a blood transfusion or gotten other blood products
Need to get a tuberculosis skin or blood test
Have received any other vaccines in the last month
Have a history of seizures

If any of these apply to you, your provider may recommend waiting to get the vaccine. Don’t hesitate to ask them if you’re not sure whether you should get the MMR.

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Risks / Benefits

What are the potential benefits of the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine greatly reduces your risk of getting measles, mumps and rubella. These are highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious, life-threatening health conditions.

What are the side effects of the MMR vaccine?

Side effects could include:

Soreness, bruising, redness and swelling at the injection site
Mild rash
Fever
Joint stiffness
Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
Diarrhea
Fatigue

Rare but serious side effects include:

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Seizures (usually due to high fever)
Unusual bleeding or bruising (caused by low platelet count)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction or any of these side effects. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, low blood pressure and swelling of your face, lips or tongue.

Recovery and Outlook

How long does the MMR vaccine last?

Most people who receive the MMR vaccine are protected for life against measles and rubella. While the vaccine is also effective at protecting against mumps, some people may lose immunity to the disease over time. You may need an additional dose during a mumps outbreak.

How effective is the MMR vaccine?

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles and rubella and 86% effective at preventing mumps. A small number of fully vaccinated people may still get sick if they’re exposed to one of these viruses. But the symptoms are usually milder, and they’re less likely to spread the virus to others.

When To Call the Doctor

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Talk to your provider or your child’s provider if you have any questions about the MMR vaccine. Let them know right away if you have concerning side effects.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

The thing about vaccines is, they often work so well that we forget why we need them. Since the MMR vaccine was introduced over 60 years ago, we rarely see the severe effects of measles, mumps or rubella anymore. Most of the time, we’ve never had to worry about the serious complications of one of these illnesses. That’s the power of prevention. It’s why healthcare providers recommend the MMR for anyone who can safely get it.

And it’s OK to have questions. Don’t hesitate to talk to your provider about any concerns you have.

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As your child grows, you need healthcare providers by your side to guide you through each step. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is there with care you can trust.