Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMMRMMR for AdultsWho Should Not Get ItFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
MMR
MMR for Adults
Who Should Not Get It
Frequently Asked Questions
All three diseases have been declared eradicated in the United States due to the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is usually given to children in two doses—once between the ages of 12 months and 15 months and once between 4 years and 6 years.
The vaccine provides lifelong protection from measles, mumps, and rubella.The adults who don’t have immunity through vaccination or through prior infection can also get the MMR vaccine.
Read on to learn more about the MMR vaccine for adults, including the recommended schedule and possible side effects.
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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Measles, mumps, and rubella were once common childhood illnesses, but they have been largely eradicated in the United States through the use 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. Also, cases have been rising in recent years due to people not vaccinating their children with the MMR vaccine. Since these diseases are still around, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention if you believe you’re infected.
Measles
Thesymptoms of measlesinclude:
Mumps
Thesymptoms of mumpsappear as long as 25 days after exposure to the virus. They include:
Rarely, mumps can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and neck pain.
Rubella
Rubella is generally a very mild illness, but it can be very serious for pregnant people. Thesymptoms of rubellainclude:
MMR Vaccine for Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the adult MMR vaccine for people who didn’t get vaccinated as children or who don’t have natural immunity after infection.If you didn’t get the MMR vaccine as a child or are unsure if you got the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should be vaccinated as an adult.
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. However, two doses given 28 days apart are recommended for people who are at higher risk for measles, mumps, or rubella, including:
Side Effects
It’s common to experience some mild side effects after vaccination. The side effects of the MMR vaccine for adults include:
Who Should Not Get the Vaccine
Most adults who haven’t had the MMR vaccine should get one. However, people born before 1957 likely don’t need the vaccine, since almost everyone was infected with these illnesses as children and therefore have immunity.
The MMR vaccine can have serious side effects for some people. You should talk to your healthcare provider about whether to get the MMR vaccine if you:
Summary
The MMR vaccine is usually given in childhood to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine for adults is recommended for those who were not vaccinated as children and have not contracted these illnesses.
A Word From Verywell
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with a decades-long safety profile. If you weren’t vaccinated as a child, it’s never too late to get the MMR vaccine, which offers protection for life. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the MMR vaccine is right for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is some research indicating thatthe MMR vaccine may help protect against COVID-19. One study found that people with more mumps antibodies—most often obtained from vaccination—were less likely to be infected with 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.
There is some research indicating thatthe MMR vaccine may help protect against COVID-19. One study found that people with more mumps antibodies—most often obtained from vaccination—were less likely to be infected with 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.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.
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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.
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