How is this vaccine given?
MMR vaccine is recommended if:
- you have been exposed to an outbreak of measles;
- you are in the military;
- you work in a laboratory or healthcare setting;
- you live in a dormitory or other group housing; or
- you are planning to travel outside the United States.
Adults born after 1956 should receive at least one MMR vaccination if they have never had the diseases or received an MMR vaccine during their lifetime.
This vaccine is given as an injection under the skin, usually in a series of 1 to 3 shots. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.
In children, the first shot is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 month old. The booster shots are then given between 4 and 6 years of age, or before the child starts elementary school.
The CDC recommends an MMR vaccine for infants 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling outside the United States.
Adults who are not already immune to measles, mumps, or rubella should receive MMR vaccine in a series of 2 shots separated by at least 28 days (4 weeks).
Where there has been a measles outbreak, local health departments may recommend 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine for children as young as 6 months old, and for older children and adults who are not already immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
If you have been exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella, you should receive an MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure.
A child who has received this vaccine before 12 months of age should still receive an MMR vaccine at age 12 to 15 months, followed by a booster shot at the recommended ages of 4 to 6 years for long-lasting protection.
Your booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis for up to 6 weeks. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received an MMR vaccine.