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MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) Vaccine

What are Measles, Mumps, and Rubella?

Measles is a highly infectious virus that infects your respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body. Infected people develop a distinctive rash that spreads over time, in addition to other symptoms and complications that can be life-threatening.

Mumps is a virus that affects people's salivary glands and causes notable symptoms like puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, among other symptoms. While many cases are mild, some have more serious complications.

Rubella is another virus that causes people to develop a rash on their face and experience mild symptoms like a fever and sore throat. Since 2004, it hasn't been present in the US (thanks to successful vaccination campaigns!) However, it's still endemic to other countries and can spread to unvaccinated people in America.


How does the MMR vaccine protect Southwest Florida?

The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The success of vaccination campaigns against each of these viruses has made them rare in Southwest Florida and eliminated rubella in the US. Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way of protecting yourself and other Southwest Floridians from these preventable diseases.

MMR Vaccine FAQ

The CDC recommends the following groups get two doses of an MMR vaccine:

Children - It's recommended that kids get their first dose when they're 12-15 months old. They can receive a second dose 28 days after their first, but it's often administered when they're 4-6 years old.

Students at post-high school educational institutions - Students who aren't presumed immune should get an MMR vaccine and get their second dose at least 28 days later.

Adults who don't have presumptive evidence of immunity - Adults who aren't presumed immune should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. If you're regularly in settings with high risks of measles or mumps transmission (e.g. schools, hospitals, and spaces for international travelers), then your healthcare provider may recommend a second dose at least 28 days later.

People often have no side effects after getting an MMR vaccine. Those who do may report some of the following symptoms:

  • Soreness and redness at the injection site.
  • Minor fever.
  • Mild rash.
  • Swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck or temporary pain or stiffness in joints (mostly in teenage or adult women)

It's important to remember that while you have a minor chance of experiencing mild side effects, these vaccines provide safe and effective protection against viruses with more severe symptoms and potentially deadly complications.

Clinical pharmacists are available to answer your vaccine questions on Lee Health's MyChart portal.
Just follow the following path: Menu ->  Ask a Question -> Ask a Pharmacist

The information on this page was last verified in August of 2024.

For the latest updates on the Chickenpox Vaccine, check out the CDC's website on Vaccines and Preventable Diseases.

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Protect yourself from preventable diseases!