MMR and Influenza Vaccine Cannot Be Given Together to a 6-Month-Old
The MMR vaccine should not be administered to a 6-month-old infant because the minimum age for MMR vaccination is 12 months. However, the influenza vaccine can and should be given starting at 6 months of age. 1, 2
Why MMR Cannot Be Given at 6 Months
- The minimum age for MMR vaccination is 12 months, as established by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1, 2
- The first dose should be administered between 12-15 months of age as part of routine childhood immunization. 1
- Administering MMR before 12 months is outside the approved age range and not recommended for routine use. 2, 3
Influenza Vaccine at 6 Months
- Influenza vaccine is specifically recommended starting at 6 months of age. 2, 4
- All children aged 6-59 months should receive influenza vaccine annually. 2
- For children younger than 8 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time, two doses separated by at least 4 weeks are required. 2
- The appropriate dosage for a 6-month-old is 0.25 mL of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. 2
When Both Vaccines Can Be Given Together
Once the child reaches 12 months of age, MMR and influenza vaccines can be safely administered simultaneously. 5, 6
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices explicitly recommends simultaneous administration of all vaccines for which a person is eligible, including live vaccines like MMR and inactivated vaccines like influenza. 5
- Each vaccine should be given at a different anatomical site (different limbs). 5
- Concurrent administration provides equivalent immunogenicity compared to separate administration and is well tolerated. 6
- There is no medical reason to separate these vaccines when both are due. 5
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse the hepatitis B vaccine (which is given at birth) with other vaccines. Healthcare providers have inadvertently administered influenza vaccine to newborns due to confusion with the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. 7 Always verify the patient's age and the specific vaccine being administered before proceeding.