Measles (Rubella)

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. One in five children with measles will be hospitalized. Measles can lead to pneumonia, lifelong brain damage, deafness, and death.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe, effective and the best protection against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93% effective.

There is no cure for measles. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve the fever. Other symptoms usually disappear within 2-3 weeks

Children - Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age or at least 28 days following the first dose.

Students - Students at post-high school educational institutions without evidence of measles immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine with the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose.

Adults - People born during or after 1957, who were not vaccinated, and have not had measles infection, should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. If you do not know if you are vaccinated, or if you have had measles infection, talk to your healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine.

International Travelers - People 6 months of age or older who will be traveling internationally should be protected against measles.

Anyone who has not been immunized or had measles in the past is at risk. Babies younger than 12 months are at risk because they are too young to have been vaccinated.

If parents or caregivers have not gotten the MMR vaccine or had measles in the past, they should get vaccinated. It is important to make sure people who are around your new baby do not expose your baby to measles and other diseases (like whooping cough).

Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic right away. Before you go to the health care provider’s office, call to tell them that you or your family member might have measles. Stay away from other people until at least four days after the rash starts or a test proves you do not have measles.

Pregnant people should not get the MMR vaccine. Pregnant people who need the vaccine should wait until after giving birth. People should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the MMR vaccine.

Research has shown that the measles vaccine (MMR) is safe and very effective. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting any of the diseases the vaccine protects against.

Like any medication, the measles vaccine (MMR) may cause side effects, most of which are mild:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

Vaccines do not cause autism. In fact, studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism. Scientists have carefully studied the MMR shot and no studies have found a link between autism and the MMR shot.

If you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, you do not need a booster. If you are not sure whether you were vaccinated, talk with your health care provider