MMR Vaccine & Measles

There are two vaccines that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Both MMR and MMRV vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines. 

MMR

• Contains a combination of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. 
• Two MMR vaccines are available for use in the United States: M-M-R II and PRIORIX. Both are recommended similarly and considered interchangeable. 

MMRV

• Contains a combination of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. 
• This vaccine is licensed only for children who are 12 months through 12 years of age. 

Some people think of measles as just a rash and fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications! Especially in children younger than 5 years old. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea, but complications can also be serious such as pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling).  

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes:

• a high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees F)
• cough
• runny nose
• red and watery eyes
• distinctive red rash.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with virus. 

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Medical care helps relieve symptoms and addresses related complications. 

Measles is the most contagious virus known to humans. 

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after than person has left. It one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. 

About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. That's why vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and you community. 

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. These travelers are mostly Americans and sometimes international visitors.

As of April 2025, central Arkansas has reported its first measles cases since 2018, involving two unvaccinated children. 

Contact your local health department, Arkansas Department of Health by phone +1 (866) 940-7568, who will assist you based on the nature of the exposure and your vaccine history. 

 If you or your child are exposed and develop symptoms, immediately call your health care provider and tell them that you were potentially exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms. 

Measles was once a common childhood disease, almost an expected part of growing up. While most children recovered from measles without problems, many others did not. In some children, the infection caused pneumonia, and in a few, encephalitis (infection of the brain) and even death.

Before the measles vaccine was available in the U.S.,  an average of 450 people died each year from measles. Most of them were previously healthy children.

Thanks to the success of the measles vaccine, we are now able to protect children from the measles. However, in recent years some parents have refused or delayed vaccinating their children out of fear or misinformation about the safety of the measles vaccine. As a result, there are more unvaccinated children, teens and adults in our communities. 

Choosing to not vaccinate your children not only leaves them susceptible to measles, but also exposes other children to measles. This includes infants who are too young to be vaccinated and people who are unable to be vaccinated due to other health conditions.

If there are no cases of measles in your community, due to vaccines, the risk to your baby is low. Good hand hygiene is always a good idea.  Wash your hands with soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remind others in your home or anyone who is near your baby to do the same. 

Other things that can help protect your baby in the event that measles is spreading:

• Limit your baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with a cold.

• Prevent germs at home. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly.

• Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections. 

Why don't babies get the MMR shot sooner?

The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains weakened forms of the viruses. In order to work, those weakened forms of the virus need to multiply to create an immune response.

Since the natural protection newborns get in the womb wears off gradually over a period of months, the viruses may not be able to multiply the way they would when the baby is a little older. That's why we recommend the first dose of MMR vaccine starting at 12 months of age. Not because it's dangerous, but because that's the age at which the vaccine works best.

There is currently no antiviral medication to treat measles. The goal of medical care is to relieve symptoms and address complications such as bacterial infections. Children who are admitted to a hospital with severe cases of measles often need IV fluids, supportive care (which may include vitamin A), and potentially ventilator support to breathe. It is  important to note that vitamin A should only be administered by a licensed healthcare professional because of the potential risks of high doses of vitamin A. 

If your child has measles, your doctor can give two doses of vitamin A, 24 hours apart, to treat vitamin A deficiency caused by measles. It is given for just 2 days. It does not cure the infection but it may help prevent the illness from becoming more severe.

During a measles infection, the virus depletes Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A deficiency can cause eye damage and blindness. When the body doesn't have enough Vitamin A, the risk of serious illness and death from measles may increase.

If your child does not have measles, you should not give Vitamin A to your child in the hopes of preventing the disease. There is no dose of vitamin A that will protect them or anyone else in your family from being infected with measles. 

Talk with your pediatrician before giving any vitamin supplement to your child. Some parents choose to give their children over-the-counter multivitamins that include Vitamin A and have been tested and approved for safe use in children. The dose of Vitamin A in a children's multivitamin is much lower than the doses recommended for treating measles.

The best way to protect against measles is to get two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

The MMR vaccine introduces a small or weakened version of measles, mumps, rubella, and/or chickenpox viruses. This allows the immune system to fight against them safely and to recognize and remember the viruses to produce antibodies to fight off future infections. 

The second doses provides the a second chance for people who may not have fully responded to the first dose, boosting the overall immunity to the viruses. 

Vaccines are under constant study. For a vaccine to be recommended—as part of the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule—it must be tested, found safe and closely monitored. Safety testing begins as soon as a new vaccine is made and clinical trials begin, and evidence of safety is gathered for as long as it is in use.

When it is time for your child to receive recommended vaccines, you may want to know more about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. Pediatricians get a lot of the questions from parents about vaccines. Many questions are sparked by misinformation found online and on social media. No question is too big or too small. It is important to talk with y​our pediatrician.

MMR vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own. 

Most people who are vaccinated with MMR and MMRV will be protected for life. 

One does of the MMR vaccine is: 

• 93% effective against measles
• 72% effective against mumps
• 97% effective against rubella

Two doses of MMR vaccine are: 

• 97% effective against measles
• 86% effective against mumps

The vaccine is 97% effective after 2 doses, but that leaves 3% who may not have made antibodies to the vaccine who can get measles. However, disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people. They are also less likely to spread the disease to other people.

The second dose provides a second chance for people who may not have fully responded to the first dose, boosting the overall immunity to the viruses.

Most people vaccinated with MMR and MMRV will be protected for life. Vaccines and high rates of vaccination have made these diseases much less common in the United States.  

Unvaccinated people, those too young to be vaccinated (infants younger than 12 months), immunosuppressed individuals, and pregnant women are most at risk for measles. 

Measles... Don't Come Back

MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. It works. It is safe. It is cost effective. It prevents expensive, often devastating outbreaks. Vaccination helps protect those who are vaccinated, and high vaccination rates also protect those unable to be vaccinated including immunocompromised patients and infants too young to be vaccinated.

Autism, Developmental Delays, and MMR Vaccine
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Scientists in the United States and around the world have studied this extensively, and no credible research has found that the MMR vaccine causes autism or developmental delays.

So where did the myth come from?

In 1998, a now-discredited study claimed a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Investigations later uncovered serious ethical violations and data manipulation by the study’s author, Dr. Andrew Wakefield. The study was officially retracted in 2010, and Wakefield lost his medical license. Unfortunately, the misinformation spread quickly and still influences public concern.

Understanding Association vs. Causation

Just because two things happen at the same time doesn’t mean one caused the other. Here's a simple example:

A store notices that when it sells more ice cream cones, it also sells more air conditioners. But one doesn’t cause the other—hot weather causes both.

This idea matters in vaccine safety studies. If someone experiences a health issue after getting a vaccine, it doesn’t always mean the vaccine caused it. That’s why scientists use large-scale studies, review multiple data sources, and track reports through systems like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

SIDS
Babies get many of their first vaccines between 2 and 4 months of age. This is also the peak age for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS ). Because of the timing, some people feel they might be related.

Scientific studies have confirmed that vaccines do not cause SIDS. In fact, vaccines may help prevent SIDS. And most importantly to help prevent SIDS, the American Academy Pediatrics recommends a safe sleep environment for babies.

Breastfeeding & MMR Vaccine
It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive the MMR vaccine. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine. The baby will not be affected by the vaccine through breast milk. 

Vitamin A & Measles
Vitamin A does not prevent or cure measles. It's important to know that too much Vitamin A can cause serious health problems.

How we know that vaccines are safe & effective for children and teens 

Still have questions? 
If you have concerns or want to talk more about vaccines and your child’s health, call your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor is there to help you make the best decision for your family’s health.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended Immunizations for Birth through 6 Years Old

Recommended Immunizations for 7-18 Years Old

Recommended Immunizations for Adults

Top disease experts—including pediatricians—work together throughout the year to update the Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger. 

The schedule is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health care organizations. It is based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data for each of the recommended vaccines and other immunizations. To be included in the recommended schedule, the vaccines must be licensed by the Food and Drug Administration.

The schedule also recommends the age when children and teens should receive each vaccine or immunization.

MMR vaccination is important for children as well as adults who do not have evidence of 1) Written documentation of adequate vaccination, 2) Laboratory evidence of immunity, 3) Laboratory confirmation of disease, or 4) Birth before 1957. These include:

• Students at post-high school educational institutions
• Healthcare personnel
• International travelers
• People of childbearing age before they get pregnant
• Groups at increased risk for mumps because of a mumps outbreak

MMR
Children need 2 doses of MMR Vaccines: 

• 12-15 months old - 1st dose
• 4-6 years old - 2nd dose

People at increased risk for mumps during a mumps outbreak - An additional dose of MMR may be needed. Public health authorities will notify you if you are at an increased risk and should receive an extra dose. 

If you already have 2 doses of MMR, it is not necessary to seek out vaccination; unless authorities tell you that are at increased risk. 

MMRV
Children 12 months through 12 years of age may be given 2 doses of MMRV vaccine. Each dose is usually given at: 

• 12-15 months old - 1st dose
• 4-6 years old - 2nd dose

If you get MMR vaccine within 72 hours of initially being exposed to measles, you may get some protection; or have milder illness. In other cases, you may be given a medicine called immunoglobulin (IG) within 6 days of being exposed to measles. This provides some protection against the disease or illness is milder. 

Visit the Vaccines.gov to find vaccine locations across the state.

Most vaccinated adults are immune to measles and do not need further vaccines. Those born before 1957 likely had measles disease and developed life-long immunity and do not need MMR vaccines. Those vaccinated between 1963-1968 may have received a measles vaccine that was found to have lower effectiveness. Those who had 2 doses of measles vaccine are not considered to be at risk.

The best defense against measles is vaccination, and if you are not sure of your immunity or vaccination status, it is safe to get a measles vaccine.

There are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:

Health Insurance
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Check for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Vaccines for Children Program
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families of eligible children who may not be able to afford or have access to vaccines. 

Children ages 18 years or younger who meet at least one of these requirements qualify for VFC eligibility:

• American Indian or Alaskan Native

• Medicaid-eligible

• Uninsured

• Under-insured (Your child has health insurance, but the policy might cover only some or no vaccines or has a fixed dollar limit or payment cap.)

You do not have to show any proof that your child is eligible for free vaccines through the VFC program. But your doctor must ask the following questions and document your answers:

• Is your child on Medicaid?

• Does your child have any health insurance coverage? Does the insurance cover vaccines?

• Is your child of American Indian or Alaskan Native heritage?

This information might already be in your child's medical record. If your child's insurance or Medicaid status changes, you need to inform the doctor's office of those changes.

Both MMR and MMRV vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about each and which to get. 

healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics