The MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella:

  • Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet. 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will get it. Serious complications include lung infection (pneumonia) and brain infection (encephalitis).
  • Mumps causes serious swelling (inflammation). It can cause inflammation in the face, jaw, testicles, ovaries and brain (encephalitis and meningitis). It can lead to deafness or death. There have been mumps outbreaks in the United States because of unvaccinated children, most recently in 2017, 2014, 2009 and 2006.
  • Rubella can cause babies to be born prematurely or with serious birth defects. The vaccine is given to children because it protects them when they may someday become pregnant or be around pregnant people.

The three vaccines have been available since the 1960s. They have been combined into one vaccine (called "MMR" or similar) since 1971. This reduces the number of vaccines your child needs. They are not available as individual components.

North Carolina Requirements for Children and College/University Students

The MMR vaccine is needed to enter child care programs, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities in North Carolina.

For younger children, the doses are usually given as follows:

  • One dose between age 12 and 15 months.
  • A second dose at 4 to 6 years old.

Students starting college or university in North Carolina must have gotten both doses. If not, they are required to get them.

See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.

Recommended Doses for Others

See Routine Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The MMR vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the MMR vaccine, they most often include soreness or redness where the vaccine is given, or mild fever or rash.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.

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