From the Guidelines
Adults who receive the measles vaccine can expect to experience side effects within 7-12 days after vaccination, with most side effects resolving within 1-2 days of onset. The measles component of the MMR vaccine is most often associated with fever as an adverse event, with approximately 5% of individuals developing a temperature of greater than or equal to 103 F (greater than or equal to 39.4 C) after MMR vaccination 1. Common side effects include:
- Fever, which usually occurs 7-12 days after vaccination and generally lasts 1-2 days
- Soreness or redness at the injection site, although the exact timeline for this is not specified in the provided evidence
- Mild fever, rash, and joint pain may develop 7-12 days post-vaccination, as part of the immune system's response to the weakened viruses in the vaccine as it builds protection. More serious side effects like temporary joint pain or stiffness can occur, particularly in women, although the exact timeline for these is not provided in the evidence 1. Severe allergic reactions are rare but would occur within minutes to hours after receiving the vaccine. If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, extensive rash, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
From the Research
Timeline for Side Effects
The timeline for adults to experience side effects after receiving the measles vaccine can vary. However, based on the available studies, here are some general observations:
- Immediate reactions can occur within 30 minutes of vaccination, including vomiting, fever, and rash 2.
- Side effects such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and coughing can occur within a few days to a week after vaccination, with a reported incidence of around 5% for "vaccination measles" 3.
- Other side effects like parotid swelling can occur in about 1% of cases 3.
- More severe side effects like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, meningitis, and central vasomotor and breath regulation dysfunction can occur, although these are rare 3.
- Febrile convulsions can occur in some cases, although these are typically mild and self-limiting 4.
Duration of Side Effects
The duration of side effects after measles vaccination can also vary. Some studies suggest that:
- Side effects like rash and fever can last for a few days to a week 4.
- In some cases, side effects like rash can be associated with increased long-term mortality, although this is not fully understood and requires further study 5.
- The majority of side effects are mild and self-limiting, and the vaccine is generally considered to be safe and effective 6, 3.