MMR Vaccine: CDC Guidelines & Protection Details

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The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The CDC provides guidelines on who should receive the vaccine and when.

What is the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases:

  • Measles: Causes fever, rash, cough, and can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.
  • Mumps: Causes fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen salivary glands. Can lead to deafness, meningitis, and infertility.
  • Rubella: Causes fever, sore throat, rash, and can cause miscarriage or birth defects if a woman gets it while pregnant.

CDC Recommendations for MMR Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine:

  • First dose: 12 through 15 months of age
  • Second dose: 4 through 6 years of age

Adults

Adults also need the MMR vaccine if they don't have evidence of immunity. Evidence of immunity includes:

  • Written documentation of MMR vaccination
  • Laboratory evidence of immunity
  • Born before 1957

Who Should Not Get the MMR Vaccine?

Some people should not get the MMR vaccine, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine or any of its components
  • People with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system

Benefits of the MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is very effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, 88% effective at preventing mumps, and 97% effective at preventing rubella.

Herd Immunity

MMR vaccination also helps to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young to receive the vaccine and people with certain medical conditions. This is known as herd immunity.

Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most people who get the MMR vaccine do not have any serious side effects. The most common side effects are mild and include:

  • Fever
  • Mild rash
  • Sore arm

Where to Get the MMR Vaccine

You can get the MMR vaccine from your doctor, local health department, or pharmacy.

Call to Action

Talk to your doctor to see if the MMR vaccine is right for you and your family. Protecting yourself and your community from measles, mumps, and rubella is crucial for public health.