Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are highly contagious viral diseases that have the potential to be very serious. They can be spread from infected people through the air.

Measles
The measles virus causes fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, and rash. If the measles virus infects the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. Some older children infected with the virus will suffer from brain inflammation, which can cause seizures and permanent brain damage.

Mumps
The mumps virus usually causes fever, headache, and swollen glands. It can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, in some cases, death.

Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, causes rash, low-grade fever, and arthritis. If a pregnant person gets rubella, they could miscarry or give birth to a baby with serious birth defects.

The MMR vaccine is a 3-in-1 vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s a recommended childhood vaccine and is required for children to enter school in most states. Children need two doses of the vaccine, while adults who need it should get at least one dose.

Children should get the first dose of MMR vaccine at ages 12–15 months and the second dose ages 4–6 years. Children can get the second dose earlier, if it’s at least 28 days after the first dose.

Adults who meet any of the following criteria can get the vaccine:

• Have never been vaccinated for MMR

• Have never had the diseases

• Don’t know if they’ve been vaccinated or had the diseases

• Born after 1956

• Work in a medical facility

Pregnant people should wait to get their MMR vaccine until after they’ve given birth. People should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the MMR vaccine.

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or to a previous dose of MMR vaccine

• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill

• Anyone with the following characteristics should check with their healthcare provider about whether they should get the MMR vaccine

o Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system

o Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for two weeks or longer

o Has any kind of cancer

o Is undergoing cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs

o Has ever had a low platelet count (blood disorder)

Mild-to-moderate side effects:

• Fever, rash and seizures

• Swollen glands in the cheeks or neck

• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

• Temporary low blood platelet count

Severe side effects, although rare, may include serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

• Deafness

• Permanent brain damage

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Hives

• Pale skin

• Fast heartbeat

• Dizziness

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.