Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
Examples
Generic Name Brand Name measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine M-M-R II, Priorix How It Works
The vaccine helps your body make chemicals called antibodies to fight off the viruses. The vaccine is given as a shot (injection).
Why It Is Used
Measles, mumps, and rubella were once very common childhood illnesses in North America. Today, these illnesses are very rare because of widespread MMR immunization programs.
For children
Two doses are given to provide lifelong protection. The first shot is given at 12 months of age and the second is given at either 18 months or between 4 to 6 years of age.
Sometimes MMR shots are given before a child is 1 year of age, such as during a measles outbreak or if the child is travelling to an area where measles is common. In these cases, the child will receive two doses of the MMR vaccine after the child's first birthday.1
You can keep track of when your child received vaccines using the national childhood immunization record
(What is a PDF document?) or the British Columbia childhood immunization record
For adults
Adults born before 1956 generally are considered immune to measles and mumps. Adults born after 1956 who did not have measles or the vaccine should get one dose. If these adults born after 1956 do not have immunity and are likely to be in contact with measles, they should get two doses:1
- Health care workers
- University students
- Travellers to parts of the world where there are measles
- Military recruits
How Well It Works
One dose given at 12 or 15 months of age is about 85% to 95% effective. After the second dose is given, nearly 100% of children are protected for life.
Side Effects
Most people who get the MMR vaccine do not have any problems. Mild reactions include:2
- Fever.
- Mild rash.
- Swollen glands in the cheeks or neck (this is a rare but mild reaction).
More serious reactions to MMR vaccine are uncommon. These include having a seizure caused by a fever, pain or stiff joints (usually affects women), and temporary low platelet count.
Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with this vaccine, call your doctor or local health unit right away if you or your child has trouble breathing, a high fever, or anything unusual after having the shot.
A child who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine should not get another dose of this vaccine. Tell your doctor or nurse if your child has had a severe reaction to any vaccine or has severe allergies.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
People with a mild illness, such as a cold, can get the MMR vaccine. But if they are more ill, they should wait until they are better. If women get an MMR vaccine, they should wait 4 weeks until getting pregnant.
Certain people should not get the vaccine:1
- People with allergies to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin
- Pregnant women
- People who had a severe reaction to the first MMR vaccine
Talk with your doctor before getting an MMR vaccine if you:2
- Have HIV or AIDS.
- Have taken medicine, such as steroids, that affects your immune system for more than two weeks.
- Have cancer.
- Have ever had a low platelet count.
- Have recently had a transfusion or received any blood products.
In the past, children with allergies to eggs were thought to be at high risk for serious reactions to the MMR vaccine because it is made with chick embryo cells. But recent studies have shown that the risk of allergic reaction from the MMR vaccine is extremely low for these people, and vaccination is recommended.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
| Author: | Alison Allen Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: January 29, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Examples | |
| How It Works | |
| Why It Is Used | |
| How Well It Works | |
| Side Effects | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |