MMR Immunization - Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine

Vaccines contain weakened or dead germs that cause certain diseases. To fight these germs, a person's immune system creates antibodies which help the body rid itself of the germs and prevent infection. Some of these antibodies will stay in the body for use at a later time if needed. Later in life, if a child or adult is exposed to these diseases, the antibodies multiply and fight them off.

The combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to children or adults to prevent those three diseases. A series of two shots are given at least one month apart. The vaccine protects against the discomforts and possibly serious complications of:

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

The vaccine protects best against these three diseases if the first shot is given before a child is 2 years old. The U.S. government currently recommends:

Many people who were not vaccinated at these times can still benefit from vaccination. Measles causes more serious health problems among teens and adults than among children. Mumps is of special concern to males because it may cause infertility.

Rubella may cause miscarriage or birth defects if a woman catches it during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The best schedule for unvaccinated children and adults should be discussed with a healthcare provider. A woman who is considering pregnancy should check with her healthcare provider to be sure she is up to date on all of her immunizations. If she has not received the necessary doses of MMR vaccine, she should consider getting them prior to becoming pregnant. This will insure that the unborn baby is not put at risk should the mother develop one of these infections while pregnant. To be effective, the vaccine must be given at least 3 months prior to a woman becoming pregnant.

Not everyone should have the MMR vaccine. Vaccination should be discussed with a healthcare provider if a child or adult:

How is the procedure performed?

One shot is given into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh.

What happens right after the procedure?

The site of the shot may sting slightly. A bandage is usually put on it to stop any bleeding.

What happens later at home?

The vaccine causes few or no problems for most people. But any of these rare reactions should be reported right away to a healthcare provider:

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Often the vaccine causes no problems. Sometimes a fever, mild rash, or, rarely, swollen glands in the neck occur within 7 to 12 days. Temporary joint pain and stiffness is possible, too.

More rare complications include:

Very rarely, the vaccine may cause these severe problems:

Author:Francesca Coltrera, BA
Date Written:
Editor:Keefe, Sandy, RN, MSN
Edit Date:07/24/00
Reviewer:Melissa Sanders, PharmD
Date Reviewed:08/07/01

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