Ask the Experts: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

Results (77)

In 2022, a provisional total of 121 cases of measles from 6 states were reported to CDC. The sharply limited global travel and social interactions precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, also reduced the opportunities for introduction and transmission of measles, mumps, and rubella viruses in the United States. Current CDC measles surveillance updates can be found at www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/.

Since the pre-vaccine era, there has been a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the United States. However, outbreaks still occasionally occur. In 2006, there was an outbreak affecting more than 6,584 people in the United States, with many cases occurring on college campuses. In 2009, an outbreak started in close-knit religious communities and schools in the Northeast, resulting in more than 3,000 cases. Since 2015, numerous outbreaks have been reported across the US, in college campuses, prisons, and close-knit communities, including a large outbreak in northwest Arkansas where almost 3,000 cases were reported in 2016. These outbreaks have shown that when people with mumps have close contact with a lot of other people (such as among residential college students and families in close-knit communities) mumps can spread, even among vaccinated people. However, outbreaks are much larger in areas where vaccine coverage rates are lower. A provisional total of 322 cases of mumps were reported to CDC in 2022.

Rubella was declared eliminated (the absence of endemic transmission for 12 months or more) from the United States in 2004. Fewer than 10 cases (primarily import-related) have been reported annually in the United States since elimination was declared. Rubella incidence in the United States has decreased by more than 99% from the pre-vaccine era. A provisional total of 3 cases of rubella, and no cases of congenital rubella syndrome, were reported in 2022.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Measles can lead to serious complications and death, even with modern medical care. The 1989–1991 measles outbreak in the U.S. resulted in more than 55,000 cases and more than 100 deaths. In the United States, from 1987 to 2000, the most commonly reported complications associated with measles infection were pneumonia (6%), otitis media (7%), and diarrhea (8%). For every 1,000 reported measles cases in the United States, approximately one case of encephalitis and two to three deaths resulted. The risk for death from measles or its complications is greater for infants, young children, and adults than for older children and adolescents.

Mumps most commonly causes fever and parotitis. Up to 25% of persons with mumps have few or no symptoms. Complications of mumps include orchitis (inflammation of the testicle) and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovary). Other complications of mumps include pancreatitis, deafness, aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis. Mumps illness is typically milder, with fewer complications, in fully vaccinated case patients.

Rubella is generally a mild illness with low-grade fever, lymphadenopathy, and malaise. Up to 50% of rubella virus infections are subclinical. Complications can include thrombocytopenic purpura and encephalitis. Rubella virus is teratogenic and infection in a pregnant woman, especially during the first trimester can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects including cataracts, hearing loss, mental retardation, and congenital heart defects.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Healthcare providers should suspect measles in patients with a febrile rash illness and the clinically compatible symptoms of cough, coryza (runny nose), and/or conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes). The illness begins with a prodrome of fever and malaise before rash onset. A clinical case of measles is defined as an illness characterized by

  • a generalized rash lasting 3 or more days, and
  • a temperature of 101°F or higher (38.3°C or higher), and
  • cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis.

Koplik spots, a rash present on mucous membranes, are considered pathognomonic for measles. Koplik spots occur from 1 to 2 days before the measles rash appears to 1 to 2 days afterward. They appear as punctate blue-white spots on the bright red background of the buccal mucosa. Pictures of measles rash and Koplik spots can be found at www.immunize.org/clinical/image-library/measles/.

Providers should be especially aware of the possibility of measles in people with fever and rash who have recently traveled abroad or who have had contact with international travelers.  Providers should immediately isolate and report suspected measles cases to their local health department and obtain specimens for measles testing, including viral specimens for confirmation and genotyping. Providers should also collect blood for serologic testing during the first clinical encounter with a person who has suspected or probable measles.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Measles is highly contagious. A person with measles is infectious up to 4 days before through 4 days after the day of rash onset. Patients with suspected measles should be isolated for 4 days after they develop a rash. Airborne precautions should be followed in healthcare settings by all healthcare personnel. The preferred placement for patients who require airborne precautions is in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room. Providers should immediately isolate and report suspected measles cases to their local health department and obtain specimens for measles testing, including serum sample for measles serologic testing and a throat swab (or nasopharyngeal swab) for viral confirmation.

Measles is a nationally notifiable disease in the U.S.; healthcare providers should report all cases of suspected measles to public health authorities immediately to help reduce the number of secondary cases. Do not wait for the results of laboratory testing to report clinically-suspected measles to the local health department.

More information on measles disease, diagnostic testing, and infection control can be found at www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

For measles, there is an average of 10 to 12 days from exposure to the appearance of the first symptom, which is usually fever. The measles rash doesn’t usually appear until approximately 14 days after exposure (range: 7 to 21 days), and the rash typically begins 2 to 4 days after the fever begins. The incubation period of mumps averages 16 to 18 days (range: 12 to 25 days) from exposure to onset of parotitis. The incubation period of rubella is 14 days (range: 12 to 23 days). However, as noted above, up to half of rubella virus infections cause no symptoms.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

The most recent comprehensive ACIP recommendations for the use of MMR vaccine were published in 2013 and are available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf. CDC published the ACIP recommendations for the use of Priorix (GSK) brand of MMR vaccine on November 18, 2022, and they are available here: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7146a1-H.pdf.

There is no difference in recommendations between Priorix and MMRII (Merck) brands of MMR vaccine. Priorix may be used in any situation where MMR vaccination is recommended. Despite minor differences in manufacturing (MMRII contains gelatin, Priorix does not) and approved route of administration (MMRII is approved for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, Priorix is approved for subcutaneous injection only), the two vaccines may be considered functionally identical and interchangeable.

MMR vaccine is recommended routinely for all children at age 12 through 15 months, with a second dose at age 4 through 6 years. The second dose of MMR can be given as early as 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose and be counted as a valid dose if both doses were given after the child’s first birthday. The second dose is not a booster, but rather is intended to produce immunity in the small number of people who fail to respond to the first dose.

Adults with no evidence of immunity should get 1 dose of MMR vaccine (evidence of immunity is defined as documented receipt of 1 dose of live measles virus-containing vaccine [or 2 doses, if high risk], laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease, or birth before 1957), unless the adult is in a high-risk group. Susceptible high-risk people need 2 doses of vaccine, given 4 weeks apart. High risk people include school-age children, healthcare personnel, international travelers, and students attending post-high school educational institutions.

Live-attenuated measles vaccine became available in the U.S. in 1963. An ineffective, inactivated measles vaccine was also available in the U.S. in 1963–1967. Combined MMR vaccine (MMRII, Merck) was licensed in 1971; Priorix (GSK) MMR vaccine was licensed and recommended in 2022. For people who previously received a dose of measles vaccine in 1963–1967 and are unsure which type of vaccine it was, or are sure it was inactivated measles vaccine, that dose should be considered invalid and the patient revaccinated as age- and risk-appropriate with MMR vaccine. At the discretion of the state public health department, anyone exposed to measles in an outbreak setting can receive an additional dose of MMR vaccine even if they are considered completely vaccinated for their age or risk status.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:

  • written documentation of adequate vaccination:
    • one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk
    • two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children, adolescents, and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
  • laboratory evidence of immunity
  • laboratory confirmation of measles (verbal history of measles does not count)
  • birth before 1957

Although birth before 1957 is considered acceptable evidence of measles immunity, healthcare facilities should consider vaccinating unvaccinated personnel born before 1957 who do not have other evidence of immunity with 2 doses of MMR vaccine (minimum interval 28 days).

During an outbreak of measles, healthcare facilities should recommend 2 doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval for unvaccinated healthcare personnel regardless of birth year if they lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Zero, one, or two doses of MMR vaccine are needed for the adults described below.

Zero doses:

  • adults born before 1957 except healthcare personnel*
  • adults born 1957 or later who are at low risk (i.e., not an international traveler or healthcare worker, or person attending college or other post-high school educational institution) and who have already received one or more documented doses of live measles vaccine
  • adults with laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of measles

One dose of MMR vaccine:

  • adults born in 1957 or later who are at low risk (i.e., not an international traveler, healthcare worker, or person attending college or other post-high school educational institution) and have no documented vaccination with live measles vaccine and no laboratory evidence of immunity or prior measles infection

Two doses of MMR vaccine:

  • high-risk adults without any prior documented live measles vaccination and no laboratory evidence of immunity or prior measles infection, including:
    • healthcare personnel*
    • international travelers born in 1957 or later
    • people attending colleges and other post-high school educational institutions

People who previously received a dose of measles vaccine in 1963–1967 and are unsure which type of vaccine it was, or are sure it was inactivated measles vaccine, should be revaccinated with either one (if low-risk) or two (if high-risk) doses of MMR vaccine.

* Healthcare personnel born before 1957 should be considered for MMR vaccination in the absence of an outbreak, but are recommended for MMR vaccination during outbreaks.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Although birth before 1957 is considered acceptable evidence of measles immunity for routine vaccination, healthcare facilities should consider vaccinating unvaccinated healthcare personnel (HCP) born before 1957 who do not have laboratory evidence of measles immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or vaccination with 2 appropriately spaced doses of MMR vaccine.

However, during a local outbreak of measles, all healthcare personnel, including those born before 1957, are recommended to have 2 doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval if they lack laboratory evidence of measles.

Healthcare facilities should check with their state or local health department’s immunization program for guidance. Access contact information here: www.immunize.org/coordinators.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

MMR can be given to children as young as 6 months of age who are at high risk of exposure such as during international travel or a community outbreak. However, doses given BEFORE 12 months of age cannot be counted toward the 2-dose series for MMR.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

People born before 1957 lived through several years of epidemic measles before the first measles vaccine was licensed in 1963. As a result, these people are very likely to have had measles disease. Surveys suggest that 95% to 98% of those born before 1957 are immune to measles. Persons born before 1957 can be presumed to be immune. However, if serologic testing indicates that the person is not immune, at least 1 dose of MMR should be administered.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Approximately 7% of people do not develop measles immunity after the first dose of vaccine. This occurs for a variety of reasons. The second dose is to provide another chance to develop measles immunity for people who did not respond to the first dose. About 97% of people develop immunity to measles after two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

There are two circumstances when a third dose of MMR is recommended. ACIP recommends that women of childbearing age who have received 2 doses of rubella-containing vaccine and have rubella serum IgG levels that are not clearly positive should receive 1 additional dose of MMR vaccine (maximum of 3 doses). Further testing for serologic evidence of rubella immunity is not recommended. MMR should not be administered to a pregnant woman.

In 2018, ACIP published guidance for MMR vaccination of people at increased risk for acquiring mumps during an outbreak. People previously vaccinated with 2 doses of a mumps virus–containing vaccine who are identified by public health authorities as being part of a group or population at increased risk for acquiring mumps because of an outbreak should receive a third dose of a mumps virus–containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) to improve protection against mumps disease and related complications. More information about this recommendation is available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/pdfs/mm6701a7-H.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of initial measles exposure can reduce the risk of getting sick or reduce the severity of symptoms. Another option for exposed, measles-susceptible individuals at high risk of complications who cannot be vaccinated is to give immunoglobulin (IG) within six days of exposure. Do not administer MMR vaccine and IG simultaneously, as the IG invalidates the vaccine.

Information on post-exposure prophylaxis for measles can be found in the 2013 ACIP guidance at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf, page 24.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No. Adults with evidence of immunity do not need any further vaccines. No “booster” doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for either adults or children. They are considered to have life-long immunity once they have received the recommended number of MMR vaccine doses or have other evidence of immunity.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Both killed and live attenuated measles vaccines became available in 1963. Live attenuated vaccine was used more often than killed vaccine. The killed vaccine was found to be not effective and people who received it should be revaccinated with live vaccine. Without a written record, it is not possible to know what type of vaccine an individual may have received. So, people born during or after 1957 who received killed measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type, or who cannot document having been vaccinated or having laboratory-confirmed measles disease should receive at least 1 dose of MMR. Some people at increased risk of exposure to measles (such as healthcare professionals and international travelers) should receive 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 4 weeks.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Not necessarily. People who have documentation of receiving live measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated. People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine. This recommendation is intended to protect people who may have received killed measles vaccine which was available in the United States in 1963 through 1967 and was not effective. People vaccinated before 1979 with either killed mumps vaccine or mumps vaccine of unknown type who are at high risk for mumps infection (such as people who work in a healthcare facility) should be considered for revaccination with 2 doses of MMR vaccine.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

In the 2013 revision of its MMR vaccine recommendations ACIP includes laboratory confirmation of disease as evidence of immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella. ACIP removed physician diagnosis of disease as evidence of immunity for measles and mumps. Physician diagnosis of disease had not previously been accepted as evidence of immunity for rubella. With the decrease in measles and mumps cases over the last 30 years, the validity of physician-diagnosed disease has become questionable. In addition, documenting history from physician records is not a practical option for most adults. The 2013 MMR ACIP recommendations are available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Measles vaccine, given as MMR, may be effective if given within the first 3 days (72 hours) after exposure to measles. Immune globulin may be effective for as long as 6 days after exposure. Postexposure prophylaxis with MMR vaccine does not prevent or alter the clinical severity of mumps or rubella. However, if the exposed person does not have evidence of mumps or rubella immunity they should be vaccinated since not all exposures result in infection.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

In the 2013 revision of its MMR vaccine recommendations ACIP expanded the use of post-exposure IG prophylaxis for measles. Intramuscular IG (IGIM) should be administered to all infants younger than 12 months who have been exposed to measles. The dose of IGIM is 0.5 mL/kg of body weight; the maximum dose is 15 mL. Alternatively, MMR vaccine can be given instead of IGIM to infants age 6 through 11 months, if it can be given within 72 hours of exposure.

In addition to infants under the age of 12 months, immune globulin may be used as measles post-exposure prophylaxis for susceptible pregnant people or susceptible people who are severely immunocompromised. For details on the dosage and use of immune globulin, please refer to the measles control section in Chapter 7 of the CDC Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:  https://www.cdc.gov/surv-manual/php/table-of-contents/index.html.

IG is not indicated for people who have received 1 dose of measles-containing vaccine at age 12 months or older unless they are severely immunocompromised. IG should not be used to control measles outbreaks. IG has not been shown to prevent mumps or rubella infection after exposure and is not recommended for that purpose.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Single antigen vaccine is no longer available in the U.S.; the student should get the combined MMR vaccine. If a college student or other person at increased risk of exposure cannot produce written documentation of either immunization or disease, and titers are negative, they should receive two doses of MMR.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No. Self-reported doses and history of vaccination provided by a parent or other caregiver are not considered to be valid. You should only accept a written, dated record as evidence of vaccination.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Adults without evidence of immunity and no contraindications to MMR vaccine can be vaccinated without testing. Only adults without evidence of immunity might be considered for testing for measles-specific IgG antibody, but testing is not needed prior to vaccination.

CDC does not recommend measles antibody testing after MMR vaccination to verify the patient’s immune response to vaccination.

Two documented doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days is considered proof of measles immunity, according to ACIP. Documentation of appropriate vaccination supersedes the results of serologic testing for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

A history of having had measles is not sufficient evidence of measles immunity. A positive serologic test for measles-specific IgG will confirm that the person is immune and is not at risk of infection regardless of the multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a hematologic cancer and is considered immunosuppressive so MMR vaccine is contraindicated in this person.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

You have two options. You can test for immunity or you can just give 2 doses of MMR at least 4 weeks apart. There is no harm in giving MMR vaccine to a person who may already be immune to one or more of the vaccine viruses. If you or the patient opt for testing, and the tests indicate the patient is not immune to one or more of the vaccine components, give your patient 2 doses of MMR at least 4 weeks apart. If any test results are indeterminate or equivocal, consider your patient nonimmune. ACIP does not recommend serologic testing after vaccination because commercial tests may not be sensitive enough to reliably detect vaccine-induced immunity.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

ACIP recommends 2 doses of MMR given at least 4 weeks apart for any adult born in 1957 or later who plans to travel internationally. There is no harm in giving MMR vaccine to a person who may already be immune to one or more of the vaccine viruses.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No, it is not considered necessary, but he may be vaccinated. Before implementation of the national measles vaccination program in 1963, virtually every person acquired measles before adulthood. So, this patient can be considered immune based on their birth year. However, MMR vaccine also may be given to any person born before 1957 who does not have a contraindication to MMR vaccination.

Routine testing of patients born before 1957 for measles-specific antibody is not recommended by CDC.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

First of all, make sure all your patients are fully vaccinated according to the U.S. immunization schedule.

In certain circumstances, MMR is recommended for infants age 6 through 11 months. Give infants this age a dose of MMR before international travel. In addition, consider measles vaccination for infants as young as age 6 months as a control measure during a U.S. measles outbreak. Consult your state health department to find out if this is recommended in your situation. Do not count any dose of MMR vaccine as part of the 2-dose series if it is administered more than 4 days before a child’s first birthday. Instead, repeat the dose when the child is age 12 months.

In the case of a local outbreak, you also might consider vaccinating children age 12 months and older at the minimum age (12 months, instead of 12 through 15 months) and giving the second dose 4 weeks later (at the minimum interval) instead of waiting until age 4 through 6 years.

Finally, remember that infants too young for routine vaccination and people with medical conditions that contraindicate measles immunization depend on high MMR vaccination coverage among those around them. Be sure to encourage all your patients and their family members to get vaccinated if they are not immune.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

In recent years, mumps outbreaks have occurred primarily in populations in institutional settings with close contact (such as residential colleges) or in close-knit social groups. The current routine recommendation for 2 doses of MMR vaccine appears to be sufficient for mumps control in the general population, but insufficient for preventing mumps outbreaks in prolonged, close-contact settings, even where coverage with 2 doses of MMR vaccine is high.

In January 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) published guidance for MMR vaccination of persons at increased risk for acquiring mumps during an outbreak. Persons previously vaccinated with 2 doses of a mumps virus–containing vaccine who are identified by public health authorities as being part of a group at increased risk for acquiring mumps because of an outbreak should receive a third dose of a mumps virus–containing vaccine to improve protection against mumps disease and related complications. Either brand of MMR vaccine may be used. More information about this recommendation is available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/pdfs/mm6701a7-H.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

You are correct that vaccinated people can still be infected with viruses or bacteria against which they are vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective. Vaccine effectiveness varies from greater than 95% (for diseases such as measles, rubella, and hepatitis B) to much lower (60% for influenza in years with a good match of circulating and vaccine viruses, and 70% for acellular pertussis vaccines in the 3-5 years after vaccination). More information is available for each vaccine and disease at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/by-disease/ and www.immunize.org/vaccines.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

All live injected vaccines (MMR, varicella, and yellow fever) are recommended to be given subcutaneously (Subcut). In February 2023, FDA approved the administration of MMRII (Merck) brand of MMR by either Subcut or IM routes. The Priorix (GSK) brand of MMR is approved only for Subcut administration. Intramuscular (IM) administration of any of these live virus vaccines is not likely to decrease immunogenicity, and doses given IM do not need to be repeated. When administering MMRII by the IM route, select an appropriate needle length for the patient’s size. See Immunize.org’s clinical resource “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size” at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. A 5/8″ needle is recommended for subcutaneous injections for people of all sizes. See Immunize.org’s clinical resource “How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections” at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2020.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

For routine vaccination, children without contraindications to MMR vaccine should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose at age 12–15 months old and the second dose at age 4–6 years old. The minimum interval is 28 days for dose 2. If you have an outbreak in your community or a child is traveling internationally, then consider using the minimum interval instead of waiting until age 4–6 years old for dose 2.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

A dose of MMR vaccine administered up to 4 days before the first birthday may be counted as valid. However, school entry requirements in some states may mandate administration on or after the first birthday. The 4-day “grace period” also may be applied to the 28-day minimum interval between two doses of MMR if the interval is inadvertently shorter than 28 days, although you should never plan to administer the second dose earlier than the 28-day minimum interval. This 4-day “grace period” does not apply to the strict 28-day minimum interval between two different live vaccines (e.g., MMR and varicella vaccines), if not administered at the same visit.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. However, if two parenteral or intranasal live vaccines (MMR, varicella, LAIV and/or yellow fever) are not administered on the same day, they should be separated by an interval of at least 28 days.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

The second dose of MMR may be given as early as 4 weeks after the first dose, and be counted as a valid dose, if both doses were given after the first birthday. The second dose is not a booster, but rather it is intended to produce immunity in the small number of people who fail to respond to the first dose. The risk of measles is higher in school-age children than those of preschool age, so it is important to receive the second dose by school entry. It is also convenient to give the second dose at this age, since the child will have an immunization visit for other school entry vaccines.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

ACIP recommends that children who travel or live abroad should be vaccinated at an earlier age than that recommended for children who reside in the United States. Before their departure from the United States, children age 6 through 11 months should receive 1 dose of MMR. The risk for measles exposure can be high in high-, middle- and low-income countries. Consequently, CDC encourages all international travelers to be up to date on their immunizations regardless of their travel destination and to keep a copy of their immunization records with them as they travel. For additional information on the worldwide measles situation, and on CDC’s measles vaccination information for travelers, go to wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

The next dose should be given at 12 months of age. The child will also need another dose at least 28 days later. For the child to be fully vaccinated, they need to have 2 doses of MMR vaccine given when the child is 12 months of age and older. A dose given earlier than 4 days before the first birthday does not count as part of the MMR vaccine two-dose series.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No. IG may contain antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella that could reduce the effectiveness of MMR vaccine. For this reason, in February 2018 ACIP voted to recommend that hepatitis A vaccine should be administered to infants age 6 through 11 months traveling outside the United States when protection against hepatitis A is recommended. MMR and hepatitis A vaccines may be safely co-administered to children in this age group. Neither vaccine is counted as part of the child’s routine vaccination series. For details of this recommendation, see the CDC ACIP recommendations for the prevention and control of hepatitis A at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/rr/pdfs/rr6905a1-H.pdf, page 18.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. The second dose of MMR may be scheduled a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, if necessary.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No. A measles-containing vaccine administered more than 4 days before the first birthday should not be counted as part of the series. MMR should be repeated when the child is age 12 through 15 months (12 months if the child remains in an area where disease risk is high). The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. A TST can be applied before or on the same day that MMR vaccine is given. However, if MMR vaccine is given on the previous day or earlier, the TST should be delayed for at least 28 days. Live measles vaccine given prior to the application of a TST can reduce the reactivity of the skin test because of mild suppression of the immune system.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes, however, this issue is not addressed in the 2010 MMRV ACIP recommendations. Although this is off-label use, CDC recommends that when a dose of MMRV is inadvertently given to a patient age 13 years and older, it may be counted towards completion of the MMR and varicella vaccine series and does not need to be repeated.

Last reviewed: July 15, 2023

This student should receive two doses of MMR, separated by at least 28 days. A personal history of measles and mumps is not acceptable as proof of immunity. Acceptable evidence of measles and mumps immunity includes a positive serologic test for antibody, birth before 1957, or written documentation of vaccination. For rubella, only serologic evidence or documented vaccination should be accepted as proof of immunity. Additionally, people born prior to 1957 may be considered immune to rubella unless they are women who have the potential to become pregnant.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

The “General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization” (see www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/timing.html) makes the generic recommendation that live parenterally or nasally administered vaccines not given on the same day should be separated by at least 28 days. The CDC travel health website recommends that yellow fever vaccine and other parenteral or nasal live vaccines should be separated by at least 30 days if possible. Either interval is acceptable.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

ACIP recommends that all HCP born during or after 1957 have adequate presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, defined as documentation of two doses of measles and mumps vaccine and at least one dose of rubella vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity, or laboratory confirmation of disease. Further, ACIP recommends that healthcare facilities should consider vaccination of all unvaccinated healthcare personnel who were born before 1957 and who lack laboratory evidence of measles, mumps, and/or rubella immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease. During an outbreak of measles or mumps, healthcare facilities should recommend 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 4 weeks for unvaccinated healthcare personnel regardless of birth year who lack laboratory evidence of measles or mumps immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease. During outbreaks of rubella, healthcare facilities should recommend 1 dose of MMR for unvaccinated personnel regardless of birth year who lack laboratory evidence of rubella immunity or laboratory confirmation of infection or disease.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. Healthcare personnel (HCP) with 2 documented doses of MMR vaccine are considered to be immune regardless of the results of a subsequent serologic test for measles, mumps, or rubella. Documented age-appropriate vaccination supersedes the results of subsequent serologic testing. In contrast, HCP who do not have documentation of MMR vaccination and whose serologic test is interpreted as “indeterminate” or “equivocal” should be considered not immune and should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine (minimum interval 28 days). ACIP does not recommend serologic testing after vaccination. For more information, see ACIP’s recommendations on the use of MMR vaccine at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf, page 22.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Approximately 5 to 15% of susceptible people who receive MMR vaccine will develop a low-grade fever and/or mild rash 7 to 12 days after vaccination. However, the person is not infectious, and no special precautions ( such as exclusion from work) need to be taken.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes, as a healthcare professional, this person should get a second dose of MMR to ensure she is immune to rubella. There is no harm in providing MMR to a person who is already immune to one or more of the components. If she developed measles only one day after getting her first MMR, she must have been exposed to the disease prior to vaccination.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Contraindications:

  • history of a severe (anaphylactic) reaction to any vaccine component or following a previous dose of MMR (see specific package insert for details: www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/vaccines-licensed-use-united-states)
  • pregnancy
  • severe immunosuppression from either disease or therapy
  • family history of altered immunocompetence, unless verified clinically or by laboratory testing as immunocompetent

Precautions:

  • receipt of an antibody-containing blood product in the previous 11 months, depending on the type of blood product received. Specific intervals vary by product type. See www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-best-practices/timing-spacing-immunobiologics.html, Table 3-6, for more information on this issue.
  • history of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura
  • moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
  • need for tuberculin skin testing or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) testing

Important details about the contraindications and precautions for MMR vaccine are in the 2013 MMR ACIP statement, available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

People with medical conditions that contraindicate measles immunization depend on high MMR vaccination coverage among those around them. To help prevent the spread of measles virus, make sure all your staff and patients who can be vaccinated are fully vaccinated according to the U.S. immunization schedule. Also, encourage patients to remind their family members and other close contacts to get vaccinated if they are not immune.

If patients who cannot get MMR vaccine are exposed to measles, CDC has guidelines for immune globulin for post-exposure prophylaxis which can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

There is no known risk associated with MMR or varicella vaccination in someone with selective IgA or IgM deficiency. It is possible that the immune response may be weaker, but the vaccines are likely effective.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

There is no need to wait a specific interval before giving MMR. An injectable steroid dose is not considered immunosuppressive for the purpose of vaccination decisions, and so there is no concern about safety or efficacy of MMR.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. MMR and varicella vaccines should be given to the healthy household contacts of immunosuppressed children.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Based on the weight and dosage provided (40 lbs and 15 mg/week), the child is currently receiving more than 0.4 mg/kg/week of methotrexate. This meets the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) definition of high-level immunosuppression. Administration of both varicella and MMR vaccines are contraindicated until such time as the methotrexate dosage can be reduced. The 2013 IDSA definition of low-level immunosuppression for methotrexate is a dosage of less than 0.4 mg/kg/week. For additional details, see the 2013 IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for Vaccination of the Immunocompromised Host: cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/11/26/cid.cit684.full.pdf.

As a general rule, whenever feasible, it is recommended that non-live and live vaccines be administered 2 or more weeks before initiating immunosuppressive medications include human immune mediators like interleukins and colony-stimulating factors, immune modulators, and medicines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors and anti-B cell agents. See CDC General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization section on altered immunocompetence: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-best-practices/altered-immunocompetence.html.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Several studies have documented the safety of measles and mumps vaccine (which are grown in chick embryo tissue culture) in children with severe egg allergy. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor ACIP consider egg allergy as a contraindication to MMR vaccine. ACIP recommends routine vaccination of egg-allergic children without the use of special protocols or desensitization procedures.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine. Vaccination of a woman who is breastfeeding poses no risk to the infant being breastfed. Although it is believed that rubella vaccine virus, in rare instances, may be transmitted via breast milk, the infection in the infant is asymptomatic.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes, but there should be sufficient time between the blood product and the MMR to reduce the chance of interference. The interval depends on the blood product received. See Table 3-6 of ACIP’s “General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization” for more information, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/timing.html.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. Receipt of RhoGam is not a reason to delay vaccination. For more information see the ACIP “General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization”, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/timing.html.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

People with HIV infection are at increased risk for severe complications if infected with measles. It is safe to vaccinate people with HIV infection who are not severely immunosuppressed. The current criteria for safe MMR vaccination of people with HIV infection are shown below, from the CDC General Best Practices Guidelines (see the section on altered immunocompetence, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-best-practices/altered-immunocompetence.html):

Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all HIV-infected people age 12 months or older who do not have evidence of current severe immunosuppression (individuals age 5 years or younger must have CD4+T lymphocyte [CD4+] percentages at least 15% for at least 6 months, and individuals older than age 5 years must have CD4+ percentages at least 15% and CD4+ cell counts of at least 200 lymphocytes/mm3 for at least 6 months) and do not have current evidence of measles, rubella, and mumps immunity.

In cases when only CD4+ cell counts or only CD4+ percentages are available for those older than age 5 years, the assessment of severe immunosuppression can be based on the CD4+ values (count or percentage) that are available. In cases when CD4+ percentages are not available for those age younger than 5 years, the assessment of severe immunosuppression can be based on age-specific CD4+ counts at the time CD4+ counts were measured; i.e., absence of severe immunosuppression is defined as at least 6 months above age-specific CD4+ count criteria: CD4+count greater than 750 lymphocytes/mm3 while age 12 months or younger, and CD4+count at least 500 lymphocytes/mm3 while age 1 through 5 years. Similarly, repeat doses of MMR vaccination are recommended for individuals with perinatal HIV infection who were vaccinated before establishing effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). They should receive 2 appropriately spaced doses of MMR vaccine once effective cART has been established (individuals age 5 years or younger must have CD4+ percentages of at least 15% for at least 6 months; individuals older than 5 years of age must have CD4+ percentages at least 15% and CD4+ counts of at least 200 lymphocytes/mm3 for at least 6 months) unless they have other acceptable current evidence of measles, rubella, and mumps immunity.

HIV-infected people who are receiving regular doses of IGIV are unlikely to respond to varicella vaccine or MMR vaccine because of the presence of passively acquired antibody. However, because of the potential benefit, MMR and varicella vaccines should be considered approximately 14 days before the next scheduled dose of IGIV (if not otherwise contraindicated), although an optimal immune response might not occur depending on the presence of neutralizing antibodies against the vaccine virus. Vaccination should be repeated (if not otherwise contraindicated) after the recommended interval (see Table 3-6 in the Timing and Spacing of Immunobiologics of this document). In most cases, this is after the therapy has been discontinued.

Administer the first dose at 12 through 15 months and the second dose to children age 4 through 6 years, or as early as 28 days after the first dose.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Although the MMR vaccine package insert recommends a 3-month deferral of pregnancy after MMR vaccination, CDC and ACIP recommend deferral of pregnancy for 4 weeks.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

ACIP recommends that people capable of bearing children be asked if they are currently pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Vaccination should be deferred for those who answer “yes.” Those who answer “no” should be advised to avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks following vaccination. Pregnancy testing is not necessary.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No specific action needs to be taken other than to reassure the pregnant person that no adverse outcomes are expected as a result of this vaccination. MMR vaccination during pregnancy is not a reason to terminate the pregnancy. You should consult with others in your healthcare setting to identify ways to prevent such vaccination errors in the future. Detailed information about MMR vaccination in pregnancy is included in the 2013 MMR ACIP statement, available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

No. ACIP recommends that anyone capable of bearing children be asked if they are currently pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Vaccination should be deferred for those who answer “yes.” Those who answer “no” should be advised to avoid pregnancy for one month following vaccination.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

Yes. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine viruses are not transmitted from the vaccinated person, so MMR vaccination of a household contact does not pose a risk to a pregnant household member.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2023

This page was updated on .

Our Affiliated Sites

For the Public: VaccineInformation.org
For Coalitions: ImmunizationCoalitions.org
65+ Flu Defense
Protect vulnerable, older adult patients from influenza.
Give2MenACWY.org
Improve protection from meningococcal serogroups ACWY.
Mass Vaccination Resources
Access guidance documents, toolkits, and helpful resources.
NAIIS
Home of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit.