From the Guidelines
The earliest recommended age for the measles vaccine is 12 months, but in special circumstances, such as during measles outbreaks or before international travel to areas with high measles transmission, infants as young as 6 months may receive an early dose of the measles vaccine. Children typically receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which provides protection against three diseases in one shot. The standard schedule includes two doses: the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years 1.
Key Considerations
- The timing of the vaccine is carefully determined to balance the need for early protection with vaccine effectiveness, as maternal antibodies present in younger infants can interfere with the immune response to the vaccine.
- Infants who receive an early dose of the measles vaccine before 12 months of age should still receive the standard doses at the recommended ages, as the early dose does not count toward the routine two-dose schedule 1.
- The MMR vaccine is preferred over separate injections of its equivalent component vaccines for the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at any age and for the first dose at age ≥48 months 1.
Special Circumstances
- Children who travel or live abroad should be vaccinated at an earlier age than recommended for children remaining in the United States, with two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days, with the first dose administered on or after the first birthday 1.
- In areas with high measles transmission, children may receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age, with a second dose at least 28 days later 1.
From the Research
Measles Vaccine Age Recommendations
- The earliest age for measles vaccine administration is 12 months, as indicated by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 2.
- The MMR vaccine is recommended for individuals ≥ 12 months of age 3.
- The first dose of MMR vaccine is typically administered at age 12 through 15 months, with a second dose administered at age 4 through 6 years before school entry 2.
- For prevention of rubella, 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥12 months 2.
- Studies have shown that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella in children as young as 12 months 4, 5.
Special Considerations
- For infants aged birth to 6 months exposed to measles, immune globulin administered intramuscularly (IGIM) is recommended as postexposure prophylaxis 2.
- For persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the ACIP recommends vaccination with MMR vaccine at age 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years, with revaccination after establishment of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) 2.
- The MMR vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella in children with HIV infection 2, 4.