The mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents mumps, measles, and rubella. All children should receive this vaccination to prevent these illnesses.

Administration

• The first dose of MMR should be administered at 12 to 15 months of age.
• The second dose of MMR should be administered at 4-6 years of age.

Precautions

• You should not received the MMR vaccine if you have a life-threatening allergy to:
• Gelatin
• Neomycin
• MMR
• Those who have a viral or bacterial infection should postpone receiving the vaccine.
• Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine.
• Women should avoid getting pregnant for the first 4 weeks after receiving the MMR vaccine
• Those who are immunocompromised should check with their doctor before receiving MMR:
• AIDS
• HIV
• Cancer
• Those that have had a recent blood transfusion should check with their doctor before receiving MMR.

Side Effects
The risks associated with the MMR vaccine are very small, when compared to the risk associated with not receiving the vaccine. Rarely, the MMR vaccine causes a severe allergic reaction.

Side effects of the MMR vaccine include:

• 1-2 weeks after the first dose:
• Rash
• Fever over 103 degrees F (39.4 C) for 1 to 2 days
• Swollen glands in the neck
• 1-3 weeks after the first dose:
• Joint pains
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling

Home Care

• Mild redness and swelling around the injection site is common.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain.
• Do not take aspirin.
• Apply warm compresses to the vaccination site.