Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (Priorix®, MM® II)
Vaccine brands: Priorix®, MMR® II
Measles (rubeola, red measles)
The measles virus causes a fever, rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, cough, red eyes and a runny nose. Measles complications include ear infections, pneumonia, miscarriage, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), brain damage and death. Measles virus is easily spread through the air, by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking and through direct contact with an infected person.
Mumps
The mumps virus causes a fever, headache and salivary gland swelling in the cheeks and jaw (parotitis). Complications include meningitis (inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord), painful swelling of the testicles or the ovaries, deafness and miscarriage. It is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected person (e.g. sharing drinks, food or kissing) or by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking.
Rubella (German measles)
The rubella virus causes a fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands in the neck and a rash on the face and neck. The symptoms can be absent or mild in children. Adults may have a headache, weakness, runny nose, red eyes and, rarely, swelling of the joints. Rubella can also cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Rubella is most dangerous in early pregnancy when it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe birth defects such as cataracts, deafness, heart defects, and intellectual and developmental disability known as congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella is spread by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking and from contact with the throat and nasal secretions of an infected person.
Recommendations for Use
- The first dose of MMR vaccine is part of routine childhood immunization and is given on or after the child's first birthday.
- The second dose of MMRV vaccine (also provides protection against chickenpox) is given to children between four and six years of age.
- Susceptible adults age 18 years or older should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. A second dose is recommended (at least 28 days from the first) for those age 18-25 years, health care workers, post-secondary students, travellers to areas where disease is a concern and to those based on the recommendation of a health care provider.
- Those born before 1970 are assumed to have natural immunity to measles and mumps.
- If travelling to areas where measles are circulating widely, infants 6 to 12 months of age can receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Two additional doses of measles containing vaccine are required starting on or after the first birthday.
- MMR vaccine is safe for women who are breastfeeding.
- Susceptible, healthy, non-pregnant persons who are not immune and have been exposed to someone who is contagious with measles can receive the vaccine within 72 hours after exposure to prevent or reduce the severity of measles infection.
Vaccine side effects
Common side effects include redness, soreness and swelling where the needle was given. Some children may experience malaise and fever (with or without rash) about 6 to 23 days after MMR immunization that lasts up to 3 days. Severe allergic and other reactions are very rare. Signs of severe allergy include hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hypotension and shock.
You should report any side effects or severe vaccine reactions to your health care provider.
Individuals who should not get the vaccine
- Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to any component found in the vaccine or had a severe allergy to a previous dose of a vaccine containing MMR components.
- Women who may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Women should delay becoming pregnant for one month after receiving the MMR vaccine.
- People receiving a blood product (e.g., blood or plasma transfusion). The vaccine should be given at least 14 days before the administration of a blood product, or may be delayed up to 11 months.
- Individuals who have received another live vaccine (e.g., Varicella) in the last 28 days.
- Individuals with a weakened immune system.
- Salicylates (such as aspirin) should not be given to a person for at least 6 weeks after MMR vaccination due to the association between aspirin, varicella, and Reye's Syndrome, a disease of the liver and brain.
- Individuals with active or untreated tuberculosis.
- Those taking antiviral therapy. Discontinue these drugs, if possible, at least 24 hours before administration of the vaccine and should not restart antiviral therapy until 14 days after vaccination.
- Those undergoing tuberculin skin testing as it can result in false negative results. MMR vaccine can be administered any time after skin testing has been performed and/or read.
- Individuals with moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.
Your record of protection
After you receive an immunization, make sure your healthcare provider updates your personal immunization record such as the "Yellow Card". Keep it in a safe place. If your child is 17 years of age or under and receives this vaccine please report this information to KFL&A Public Health online or by calling 613-549-1232. Health care providers do not automatically send immunization information to KFL&A Public Health. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to provide this information.
KFL&A Public Health's Online Immunization Reporting
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