What is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine?

From the Guidelines

The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that prevents measles, mumps, and rubella virus infections and their related complications, and it is recommended for all children and adults who lack documentation of vaccination or immunity. The vaccine contains weakened live viruses that stimulate the immune system to develop protection without causing disease, and it is available in two forms: M-M-R II and PRIORIX, which are fully interchangeable for all indications for which MMR vaccination is recommended 1. Children should receive two doses: the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years, while adults born after 1957 who lack documentation of vaccination or immunity should get at least one dose.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with about 97% protection against measles and rubella after two doses and 88% protection against mumps, and it is crucial for both individual protection and community immunity, as these diseases can cause serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, deafness, and birth defects 1. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic, with mild side effects that may include fever, mild rash, or temporary joint pain.

Some individuals, such as those with severely compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components, should not receive the MMR vaccine. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider about testing for immunity or receiving the vaccine. The ACIP recommends PRIORIX as an option to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella according to the existing recommended schedules and for off-label uses, such as infants aged 6–11 months who will travel or live abroad or during measles outbreaks, and third dose of MMR in persons previously vaccinated with 2 doses of a mumps virus–containing vaccine who are identified by public health authorities as being part of a group or population at increased risk for acquiring mumps because of an outbreak 1.

Key points to consider when administering the MMR vaccine include:

• The vaccine is recommended for all children and adults who lack documentation of vaccination or immunity
• The vaccine is available in two forms: M-M-R II and PRIORIX, which are fully interchangeable
• Children should receive two doses: the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years
• Adults born after 1957 who lack documentation of vaccination or immunity should get at least one dose
• The vaccine is highly effective, with about 97% protection against measles and rubella after two doses and 88% protection against mumps
• The vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic, with mild side effects
• Some individuals, such as those with severely compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components, should not receive the MMR vaccine.

From the Research

Definition and Purpose of the MMR Vaccine

• The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals ≥ 12 months of age 2.
• The vaccine is designed to protect against three highly contagious diseases that can cause significant morbidity and mortality 3, 4.
• The MMR vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with a low rate of adverse experiences (AEs) reported 2, 5.

Administration and Dosage

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccine for adequate measles, mumps, and rubella immunity for all children and most adults 6.
• Two doses, separated by 4 weeks, of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all adults who do not have immunization or contraindications 3.
• A second dose of the MMR vaccine is given mainly to vaccinate those who missed the first dose or had primary vaccine failure, rather than to boost waning antibody levels 4.

Safety and Efficacy

• The safety profile of the MMR vaccine is well-established, with over 575 million doses distributed worldwide and a low rate of AEs reported 2.
• The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, with significant reductions in case numbers and mortality rates reported globally 5.
• Epidemiological studies do not support a causative link between the MMR vaccine and autism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) 4.