The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases – measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is important to get at a young age. Each of these diseases can easily spread between unvaccinated people or in communities where most people do not have the MMR vaccine. Measles, mumps, or rubella can lead to issues during pregnancy, hearing loss, and meningitis.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that usually appears like a cold at first. Symptoms often include sneezing, coughing, running nose and eyes, and a low-grade fever. Small white spots in the mouth and a distinctive rash that starts in the head area are symptoms that are specific to the measles. With plenty of rest, fluids, and pain relievers, the measles clears in about seven days. It is important to seek quick treatment to prevent complications that could occur if it spreads to other parts of the body.
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Mumps is an infection that is most well-known for causing large, painful swelling underneath the ears, giving the face a much rounder and wider appearance than usual. Other symptoms include fever, headaches, and joint pain. Mumps is rarely serious. Seeking quick treatment is important to prevent the virus from spreading, which could lead to complications like meningitis. Bed rest, fluids, and pain relievers help treat the symptoms of mumps. The infection passes in seven to fourteen days.
Rubella, also known as the German measles, is similar to the measles in that its’ unique symptom is also a rash that starts in the head area and spreads to the rest of the body. It can be hard to see on darker skin tones, but it usually has a bumpy feeling. Rubella can also cause cold-like symptoms such as fever, aches and pains, runny nose and eyes, coughing, and sneezing.
It should get better in about seven days with rest, fluids, and pain medication to treat the symptoms. If you’re pregnant and you develop a rash, see your provider right away. Rubella in pregnancy can cause miscarriage and birth defects.
The MMR vaccine is given in two separate doses. Young children receive the first one at one year of age, and the second one at 3 years and four months. If you miss vaccines, mention it to your healthcare provider. It’s never too late to catch up on missed vaccines.
If you haven’t had both doses of the MMR vaccine, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible if you’re an adult or responsible for the care of an older child. Because MMR is highly contagious and can pose a risk to certain populations, you should check if you’ve had both doses if any of the following applies to you:
If you haven’t had both doses, you can get updated quickly to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The MMR vaccine is very effective in protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella. The disease you’re most likely to still get with the MMR vaccine is mumps, but the likelihood is not high, and if you do get mumps, your case should be mild. You can consider yourself protected against the diseases two weeks after vaccination.
The MMR vaccine is delivered over two doses into the thigh or the arm.