Measles causes a cough and rash that lasts for about 14 days.
Mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands as well as fever and headache.
Rubella, also known as German measles, is usually characterized by a mild rash and flu-like symptoms.
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All three diseases have been declared eradicated in the United States due to the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine has been available since 1971.
Still, occasional infections from these viruses do occur in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
They include:
Rarely, mumps can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and neck pain.
There are two MMR vaccines available in the United States: M-M-R II and Priorix.
Schedule
Most adults need only one dose of the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine can have serious side effects for some people.
A Word From Verywell
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with a decades-long safety profile.
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the MMR vaccine is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is some research indicating that the MMR vaccine may help protect against COVID-19.
More research is needed, however.
Vaccines cause your body to mount an immune response.
This begins at the injection site, causing inflammation, which can make your arm sore.
The discomfort usually goes away within a day or two.
The MMR vaccine offers protection for life from measles, mumps, and rubella.
The MMR vaccine came out in 1971.
Since then, it has been used to eradicate these viral illnesses in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) VIS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Q&As about Monovalent M-M-R Vaccine.
