From the Guidelines
Children typically receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in two doses, with the first dose recommended at 12-15 months of age and the second dose given at 4-6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with the first dose providing about 93% protection against measles, 78% against mumps, and 97% against rubella 1. The second dose brings protection levels to about 97% for measles and 88% for mumps.
Key Considerations
- The vaccine contains weakened live viruses that stimulate the immune system to develop protection without causing the actual diseases.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include fever, mild rash, or temporary joint pain, but these are far less severe than the diseases themselves.
- For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at age 12–47 months, either measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and varicella vaccine or MMRV vaccine may be used, but MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine should be administered for the first dose in this age group unless the parent or caregiver expresses a preference for MMRV vaccine 1.
- For the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at any age (15 months–12 years) and for the first dose at age ≥48 months, use of MMRV vaccine generally is preferred over separate injections of its equivalent component vaccines 1.
Special Considerations
- A personal or family history of seizures of any etiology is a precaution for MMRV vaccination, and children with such a history generally should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine 1.
- Considerations for vaccine administration should include provider assessment, patient preference, and the potential for adverse events 1.
From the Research
MMR Vaccination Schedule
- The provided studies do not specify the exact age when kids get the MMR vaccine, but it is generally known that the MMR vaccine is routinely administered to children.
- According to the studies, the MMR vaccine can be safely administered to children with egg allergies 2, but it is recommended to vaccinate them in a healthcare facility that can treat anaphylaxis 3, 4.
Special Considerations
- Children with food allergies, including egg allergies, can receive the MMR vaccine without any modifications to the routine vaccination schedule 3, 2.
- However, there may be isolated cases of anaphylaxis in children with egg and cow's milk allergies after receiving the MMR vaccine 4.
- It is essential to vaccinate children in a setting that is equipped to deal with anaphylactic reactions 3, 4.
Vaccine Safety
- The MMR vaccine is considered safe for adolescents and adults, with rare serious outcomes and common non-serious adverse events such as arthropathy, injection site reaction, and rash 5.
- The vaccine can cause allergic reactions, but these are typically minor and do not necessitate modification of the routine vaccination schedule 3, 6, 2.