Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Information
What are measles, mumps and rubella?
Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) spread when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.
Measles
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It can lead to:
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Mumps
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It can lead to:
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Rubella (German Measles)
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It can lead to:
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What are the benefits of the MMR vaccine?
The benefits of the MMR vaccine to prevent these three diseases are greater than the possible risks for almost all people. A person who receives MMR benefits from the protection it provides. When many people are vaccinated, everyone benefits because the chance for spread of disease is reduced.
What are the side effects from the MMR vaccine?
There is a risk that serious problems or even death could occur after getting the vaccine. Such problems could happen after taking any medicine or after receiving any vaccine. The risks from the vaccine are much smaller than the risks from the diseases if people stopped using the vaccine. Almost all people who get MMR have no problems from it.
When should you get the MMR vaccine?
Most children should have a total of 2 MMR vaccines. They usually have the MMR at:
- 12-15 months of age
- 4-6 years of age or before middle school or junior high school.
Health Services may have notified you that your MMR status is inadequate. That means that the two dates of the vaccination are not documented in your Health Services medical record and you need the vaccine unless proven otherwise by a lab test.
When should the MMR vaccine not be given?
MMR should not be given to people who have:
- an allergy to eggs or the drug neomycin that was serious enough to require the attention of a doctor
- had a previous allergic reaction or other problem after getting MMR
- a current moderate or severe illness
- a history of seizure
- a parent, brother, or sister who has had seizures
- received immune globulin or other blood products (such as a transfusion) during the past three months
- tell the practitioner if you are less able to fight serious infections because of:
- a disease you were born with
- treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids
- any kind of cancer
- cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
- Pregnant women should not take MMR. Do not take MMR if you think you may be pregnant. Do not get pregnant for 3 months after the injection.
- People with AIDS or HIV infection usually should get the MMR vaccine.
What are the possible side effects from the MMR vaccine?
- mild or moderate problems:
- injection site may be sore soon after the vaccination, then there may be redness or swelling for a few days
- rash
- fever which may last 1-2 days
- swelling of the glands in the cheeks, neck, or under the jaw
- pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints lasting up to 3 days. Rarely, pain or stiffness lasts a month or longer, or may come and go; this is most common in young and adult women.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to reduce fever and soreness.
- severe problems:
- severe allergic reaction
- low number of platelets (a type of blood cell) that can lead to bleeding problems. This is almost always temporary.
- seizures, decreased consciousness, or coma
What should you do if you have a serious reaction?
Get to a health care facility promptly. Write down what happened, and the date and time it happened.
The Public Health Service is interested in finding out if any serious problems may be related to the MMR vaccine, especially those that occur within 4 weeks after the shot. Ask your health care provider to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report (VAERS) form, or call: toll-free 1-800-822-7967. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program may give compensation (payments) for persons thought to be injured by vaccines. For details call: 1-800-338-2382. If you want to learn more ask your practitioner.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control. Vaccine Information Pamphlet. 1/03
