Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Three viral infections:

    • Measles (Pneumonia)
    • Mumps (Meningitis)
    • Rubella (birth defects)

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Young children

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    • 12-18 months
    • 4-6 years

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against serious illness and complications from Measles, Mumps and Rubella:
      • Measles: Pneumonia, brain swelling, death
      • Mumps: Meningitis, hearing loss, swelling of glands
      • Rubella: serious birth defects during pregnancy
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Temporary joint pain
    • Serious allergic reactions are rare

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • M-M-R II – 2 dose series
    • Priorix – 2 dose series

    Combination vaccine (protect against more than one disease):

    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella vaccine (MMRV) – ProQuad – 2 dose series

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Why are all three vaccinations given together?

    Combination vaccines provide the same protection but with fewer pokes. Protection against these three diseases is needed at the same times during childhood, and the vaccines have been proven to work well together.

     

    How does getting vaccinated against rubella as a child protect a pregnant person and baby later in life?
    The Rubella vaccine creates long-lasting immune memory. So, if a vaccinated person is exposed to Rubella during pregnancy years later, their immune system can quickly fight off the virus and help protect the developing baby.