Measles, Mumps and Rubella.(MMR) Vaccine
CDC recommends that people get an MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
Teens and adults also should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Children may also get MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age.
Who Should Get MMR Vaccine?
Children
CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
MMR vaccine is given later than some other childhood vaccines because antibodies transferred from the mother to the baby can provide some protection from disease and make the MMR vaccine less effective until about 1 year of age.
Adults
Adults who do not have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
International travelers
People 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally should be protected against measles. Before any international travel—
• Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days).
• Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
Healthcare personnel
Healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
Women of Childbearing Age
Women of childbearing age should check with their doctors to make sure they are vaccinated before they get pregnant. Women of childbearing age who are not pregnant and do not have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive MMR vaccination. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to the MMR vaccine, and the baby will not be affected by the vaccine through breast milk.
Groups at increased risk for mumps because of a mumps outbreak
During a mumps outbreak, public health authorities might recommend an additional dose of MMR vaccine for people who belong to groups at increased risk of getting mumps. These groups are usually those who are likely to have close contact, such as sharing sports equipment or drinks, kissing, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps. Your local public health authorities or institution will communicate to the groups at increased risk that they should receive this dose. If you already have two doses of MMR, it is not necessary to seek out vaccination unless you are part of this group.
Who Should Not Get MMR Vaccine?
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
• Has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
• Is pregnant, or thinks she might be pregnant. Pregnant women should wait to get the MMR vaccine until after they are no longer pregnant. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 month after getting the MMR vaccine.
• Has a weakened immune system due to disease (such as cancer or HIV/AIDS) or medical treatments (such as radiation, immunotherapy, steroids, or chemotherapy).
• Has a parent, brother, or sister with a history of immune system problems.
• Has ever had a condition that makes them bruise or bleed easily.
• Has recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products. You might be advised to postpone MMR vaccination for 3 months or more.
• Has tuberculosis.
• Has gotten any other vaccines in the past 4 weeks. Live vaccines given too close together might not work as well.
• Is not feeling well. A mild illness, such as a cold, is usually not a reason to postpone a vaccination. Someone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait. Your doctor can advise you.