MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Measles
• The measles virus causes symptoms that may include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, usually followed by a rash that covers the entire body.
• Measles can cause ear infections, diarrhea, and lung infections (pneumonia). In rare cases, measles can cause brain damage or death.
Mumps
• The mumps virus causes fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swollen, tender salivary glands below the ears on one or both sides.
• Mumps can cause deafness, swelling of the brain and/or the membranes surrounding the spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, very rarely, death.
Rubella (also known as German measles)
• The rubella virus causes fever, a sore throat, a rash, a headache, and eye irritation.
• Rubella can cause arthritis in half of adolescent and adult women.
• If a woman contracts rubella while she is pregnant, she may have a miscarriage, or her baby may be born with serious birth defects.
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Minimum age: 12 months (for routine vaccinations)
Routine vaccinations:
A 2-dose series at 12–15 months and 4–6 years
The second dose may be administered no sooner than 4 weeks after the first dose.
Catch-up vaccination:
Unvaccinated children and adolescents: 2 doses administered at least 4 weeks apart.
Adults may have received the MMR vaccine. Many adults aged 18 and older may be susceptible to measles, mumps, and rubella without realizing it.