The Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine – MMR

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German measles) are each caused by a virus. These diseases are highly contagious. They’re spread by coughing, sneezing, or drinking from the same cup or using the same fork or spoon as someone who has one of these diseases.

•  Someone with the measles will have a rash, cough, runny nose, runny eyes and fever.  The disease can lead to more serious problems like ear infections or pneumonia. Sometimes, it can even cause seizures and brain damage.

•  Someone with the mumps will have a rash, fever and swollen glands in the cheeks and neck. It can also result in more serious problems, like deafness, meningitis, or painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries.

•  Rubella symptoms are a rash and mild fever. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, she could lose the baby or it could be born with a birth defect.

The MMR vaccine protects against all of these diseases.

Speak with your main care provider about the MMR vaccine when you –  

•  Were born after 1957 and don’t have proof of vaccination as a child.

•  Are a female old enough to become pregnant.

•  Were vaccinated for measles before 1968.

•  Plan to travel outside the USA

•  Be certain to work in a health care facility

After the shot, you could experience some soreness where the needle went in, fever or a mild rash.

You do not need the MMR vaccine if –  

•  You were born before 1957.

•  Blood tests show that you have protection against measles, mumps and rubella.