Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Generic name: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine [ MEE-zels, MUMPS, and-roo-BEL-a ]
Brand names: M-M-R II, Priorix
Dosage form: subcutaneous powder for injection (-)
Drug class: Vaccine combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 26, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine?

Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases caused by viruses spread from person to person.

Becoming infected with rubella virus (also called German Measles) during pregnancy can result in a miscarriage or serious birth defects.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases by causing your body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

MMR vaccine is for use in people 12 months of age and older who have never received the vaccine or had the diseases.

Like any vaccine, the MMR vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

This vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

You should not receive a booster vaccine 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 is much 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:

• red, tender bumps under your skin;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• high fever (within a few hours or a few days after the vaccine);

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• new or worsening cough, trouble breathing;

• problems with balance or muscle movement;

• a seizure; or

• nervous system problems--numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

You may have joint pain 2 to 4 weeks after receiving an MMR vaccine. This is more common in women and teenaged girls.

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.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if:

• you are allergic to gelatin;

• you have had a severe allergic reaction to neomycin; or

• you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing measles, mumps, or rubella.

You should also not receive this vaccine if you have:

• a cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma;

• a bone marrow or blood cell disorder;

• untreated tuberculosis;

• a history of severe allergic reaction to eggs;

• severe immune suppression caused by disease or by receiving certain medicines, chemotherapy or radiation; or

• if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant in the next month.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

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

• active tuberculosis infection;

• a history of brain injury or seizures;

• thrombocytopenia purpura (easy bruising or bleeding);

• a weak immune system;

• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine); or

• if you have received an immune globulin or a blood or plasma transfusion.

You should not receive the MMR vaccine if you are pregnant. Wait until after your child is born to receive the vaccine.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

How is this vaccine given?

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

In children, the first shot is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 month old. The booster shots are then given between 4 and 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.

Adults who are not already immune to measles, mumps, or rubella should receive MMR vaccine in a series of 2 shots separated by at least 28 days (4 weeks).

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, mumps, or rubella, you should receive an MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure.

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.

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

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.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine dosing information

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, once

Comments:
-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, once

Comments:
-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, once

Comments:
-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.

Related/similar drugs

rubella virus vaccine, measles virus vaccine / mumps virus vaccine / rubella virus vaccine, ProQuad, Attenuvax, M-M-R II

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you will miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine?

MMR vaccine is sometimes given at the same time as other vaccines. Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;

• chemotherapy or radiation treatments;

• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

Other drugs may affect MMR vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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