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What Is the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine protects people from measles, mumps, and rubella.

The introduction and distribution of the MMR vaccine in the United States changed the trajectory of these three diseases.

Doctor vaccinating girl in office

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Illnesses that were commonplace among baby boomers now occur very rarely.

The majority of deaths occurred in adults with a weakenedimmune systemor in children under 5 years old.

The introduction of the two-dose MMR vaccine reduced cases of mumps by 99%, thus reducing negative outcomes.

Rubella can come with complications, like heart and bleeding problems.

Those most at risk are developing babies duringpregnancy.

Should I Get Vaccinated if I’ve Been Exposed?

Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine?

The second dose should be administered between ages 4 and 6.

People who didn’t receive the MMR vaccine in childhood can get it as an adult.

Two doses are still recommended and should be separated by at least 28 days.

Vaccines do not make symptoms of illness worse.

Who Should Not Get the MMR Vaccine?

These include people who:

Effectiveness

The MMR vaccine is extremely effective.

Risk and Side Effects

In addition to being effective, the MMR vaccine is also safe.

As with most vaccines or medications, there are risks and side effects that can occur.

Vaccination against MMR is the best strategy to avoid the long-term consequences of these diseases.

The MMR vaccine has proven to be safe and effective.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, mumps, rubella (mmr) vaccine.

2020;8(2):276. doi:10.3390/microorganisms8020276

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of mumps.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mumps complications.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rubella signs and symptoms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rubella complications.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination: what everyone should know.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines when your child is sick.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine safety.