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MMR Vaccine Basics

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by a rash, high fever, barking cough and red or watery eyes. It spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

Mumps

Mumps, caused by the mumps virus, is a contagious viral infection that causes painful swelling of the parotoid salivary glands and throat, a fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headaches.

Rubella

Rubella is a highly contagious illness caused by the RuV virus. Symptoms include fever, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull and a pink rash that typically appears on the face.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    MMR is a combination of the following 3 diseases:

    • Measles: Measles can cause fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. It can lead to seizures, ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia or more serious complications.
    • Mumps: The mumps virus causes fever, headaches, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen salivary glands under the ears. It can lead to deafness, swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering, swelling of the testicles or ovaries and, in rare cases, death.
    • Rubella: Rubella can cause fever, sore throat, rash, headaches and irritated eyes. It can cause more serious complications in teenagers and pregnant women.

    The MMR vaccine is effective at protecting people against measles, mumps and rubella, and preventing the complications caused these highly contagious diseases.

    Vaccination is your best protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The CDC recommends the following:

    • Children: All children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second at 4 through 6 years of age.
    • Teenagers: Students at post-high school education institutions who know or suspect they are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated should get two doses of the MMR vaccine.
    • Adults: Adults who know or suspect they are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Certain adults may need two doses.

    There are two MMR vaccines available for use in the United States: M-M-R II and PRIORIX. These vaccines are fully interchangeable for all indications for which MMR vaccination is recommended. Children may also receive the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children aged 12 months through 12 years.

    Before any international travel, the CDC recommends the following individuals receive the MMR vaccine:

    • Infants that are 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before travel.
    • Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
    • Teenagers and adults who know or suspect they have not been vaccinated or are incompletely vaccinated should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

    Learn more about which travel vaccines you may or may not need before taking a trip.

    Yes, co-administration of vaccines is generally safe, effective and convenient. Side effects from receiving multiple vaccines at the same time are rare and usually mild. For more information, refer to the CDC’s guidelines on receiving multiple vaccines.

    Kroger Health offers a wide range of health services, including vaccines, health screenings and more, tailored to meet the needs of your business, community or organization. Visit us at krogerhealth.com or e-mail the team at KHB2B@krogerhealth.com to learn more.

    For more frequently asked questions and information, please visit the CDC’s MMR vaccination website.

Other Recommended Vaccines

Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your MMR vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, Tdap and more.

Flu Vaccine

It’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a yearly flu vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for an annual COVID-19 vaccine.

Tdap Vaccine

This vaccine protects against three bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Tools and Resources

Pharmacy and Clinic services are available in select areas. Access our pharmacy locator to find a pharmacy near you. The Little Clinic practices in the following states only: AZ, KY, OH, TN, CO, IN, GA, KS, VA. Access our clinic locator to find a clinic near you. At this time, Virtual Visits available through The Little Clinic can be scheduled in all states for concerns related to COVID-19.