What is the name of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine recommended for a 35-year-old individual?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 23, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

MMR Vaccine Options for a 35-Year-Old Adult

For a 35-year-old adult, either M-M-R II (Merck) or PRIORIX (GlaxoSmithKline) are appropriate MMR vaccine options, as both are fully interchangeable and recommended for adults who need MMR vaccination. 1

Available MMR Vaccines

  • M-M-R II (manufactured by Merck) has been available in the United States since 1978 1
  • PRIORIX (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline) was approved by the FDA in June 2022 as a second MMR vaccine option 1
  • Both vaccines contain live attenuated strains of measles, mumps, and rubella viruses that are genetically similar or identical 1
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) considers both vaccines to be fully interchangeable for all indications 1

Administration for Adults

  • Adults born in 1957 or later who do not have evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine 1
  • For adults without documentation of vaccination or evidence of immunity, two doses of MMR vaccine administered at least 28 days apart are recommended 1, 2
  • Both vaccines are administered as a subcutaneous injection 1

Specific Recommendations for 35-Year-Olds

  • A 35-year-old should have documentation of having received at least one dose of MMR vaccine on or after their first birthday, documentation of physician-diagnosed disease, or laboratory evidence of immunity 1
  • If the 35-year-old is at higher risk (healthcare worker, international traveler, or during an outbreak), two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended 1
  • If vaccination history is unknown or uncertain, the adult should be considered unvaccinated and should receive appropriate vaccination 1

Interchangeability of Vaccines

  • PRIORIX and M-M-R II are considered fully interchangeable by ACIP 1
  • Studies have shown that PRIORIX is safe and immunogenic when administered as a second dose after M-M-R II 1
  • Either vaccine may be administered in any situation in which an MMR virus-containing vaccine is indicated 1

Contraindications and Precautions

  • Both vaccines are contraindicated in persons with history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine 1
  • Neither vaccine should be administered to pregnant women or severely immunocompromised individuals 1
  • Additional live virus vaccines not administered on the same day should be separated by at least 28 days 1

Clinical Pearls

  • Having two interchangeable MMR vaccines from different manufacturers helps safeguard vaccine supply in the United States 1
  • MMR vaccination is particularly important for adults born after 1957 who lack evidence of immunity, as they remain at risk for these diseases 1
  • The availability of multiple vaccine options improves access to this important preventive measure 1

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

Is there a separate measles vaccine available apart from the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine?
Is the MMR vaccine recommended for a 62-year-old male with a positive Quantaferon Gold test and existing immunity to measles and mumps?
What vaccinations are recommended at 1 year of age?
Does the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine prevent varicella infection?
Can the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine cause central nervous system complications like the wild measles virus?
What is the management guideline for chronic gout flares occurring every 2 weeks?
How do I manage hyperparathyroidism?
Will I experience reduced sedative effects from clonazepam (benzodiazepine) due to neuroadaptation?
What is the initial management algorithm for hypertension?
What is the treatment for a peritonsillar abscess?
How do you clean a boil?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question