How to Prevent Measles: 6 Practical Tips From Healthcare Experts
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air with coughing and sneezing. Here are six expert-backed ways to prevent measles.
MMR
Used for Measles
Used for Measles
MMR II and Priorix are live vaccines that protect you against 3 viruses: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). They're both injections given as 2 doses under the skin. Typically, these vaccines are given as part of the routine vaccination series for children under 6 years old. Older children and adults may also need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine if they haven't already received it.
What is MMR vaccine?
What is MMR vaccine used for?
- Prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in adults and children 1 year of age and older
How MMR vaccine works
MMR II and Priorix are both vaccines that protect you from infection from measles, mumps, and rubella. They're live-attenuated vaccines that're made from a weakened version of the live viruses. Both vaccines help your body's immune system make antibodies against the MMR viruses. If you ever become infected with MMR, these antibodies will attack the viruses and fight off the infection.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | MMR II, Priorix |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of MMR vaccine
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Feeling irritated (up to 66%) - Children age 12 to 15 months old only
- Drowsiness (up to 47%)
- Losing appetite (up to 45%)
- Injection site pain (up to 40%)
- Fever (up to 35%)
- Redness (12-25%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Swelling of the glands in neck and cheek
- Stiff joints
- Swelling
- Measles/rubella-like rash (red spots all over the body)
MMR vaccine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: Hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Febrile seizure (fever with seizures): Eye rolling, stiff arms and legs, loss of consciousness, shaking of arms and legs
- Meningeal irritation (irritation of the brain tissue): Neck stiffness, sensitive to bright light, headache
The following MMR vaccine side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Seizures
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Fever
- General discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Skin rash
Get your GoodRx coupon
$129.32
GoodRx discount
$105.99
Pros and cons of MMR vaccine
Pros
- Can be given [at the same time](https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/administering-vaccines.asp#:~:text=All%20live%20vaccines%20(MMR%2C%20varicella,by%204%20weeks%20or%20more.) as other vaccines
- For most people, protection lasts for life
- Readily available and easy to find at pharmacies
Cons
- Needs to be given by a healthcare professional
- Only given as an injection under the skin
- Can't be given to pregnant females or people with weakened immune systems
Pharmacist tips for MMR vaccine
- MMR II might contain egg protein. Tell your child's provider if your child has an allergy to eggs or egg products before receiving this vaccine.
- The prefilled syringe in Priorix has a latex cap. Let your child's provider know if your child has a history of allergy to latex.
- Syncope (fainting) can happen to people who receive injectable vaccines, including Priorix. If you feel faint or dizzy after receiving Priorix, lie down right away to avoid injury and let your provider know.
- MMR vaccine can affect your child's TB test results. If you child is due for a TB skin test, it should be given before, at the same time as, or at least 4 to 6 weeks after MMR vaccine.
- Let your child's provider know if your child has gotten a blood transfusion or received other blood products, such as immune globulins, recently. These products can affect how the body responds to MMR vaccine. There are specific guidelines on the timing between when your child can get MMR vaccine and immune globulins or a blood product.
- If your child doesn't feel well, wait until either of you is healthy to get MMR vaccine. This will help make sure the immune system protects your child as best as it can. If your child has a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, they might still be able to get MMR vaccine. But if your child feels moderately to severely sick, wait until they recover before getting vaccinated. Ask your child's provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.
- Read the vaccine information statement for more information on MMR vaccine.
- Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including MMR vaccine, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.
- MMR vaccine can be given with other live viral vaccines. However, if MMR vaccine isn't given together with them, it should be given 1 month before or 1 month after you receive other live viral vaccines. This will allow your body to achieve the best response it can to the vaccine.
- If your child experiences a severe reaction to MMR vaccine, you or your child's provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Risks and warnings for MMR vaccine
MMR vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines | Severe allergy to eggs or egg products (MMR II only) | Allergy to rubber or latex (Priorix only)
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that your child might have a severe allergic reaction to MMR vaccine. In particular, people with a severe allergy to eggs or egg products shouldn't receive MMR II because it can contain egg protein. Additionally, people with an allergy to latex should also be careful when receiving Priorix since the cap of the prefilled syringe is made of latex. If it's your child's first dose, your provider will typically ask you and your child to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after they've received their vaccine. This is to make sure your child gets proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if your child has symptoms such as feeling faint, face swelling, tightness in your throat, difficulty breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Fever with seizures
- Risk factors: History of febrile seizure | Family history of febrile seizures
Although rare, MMR vaccine can put your child at risk for fever with seizures within the first 2 weeks after they've received the vaccine. Let your child's provider know if they've ever had a febrile seizure or have a family history of febrile seizures before getting MMR vaccine, you'll need to be careful and monitor your child for fevers and get medical help if needed.
Low platelet count
- Risk factor: History of a drop in platelet count after receiving MMR vaccine
MMR vaccine can lower your child's platelet count temporarily. In people who received MMR II, this usually happens 4 to 6 weeks after injection. Platelets are cells in your blood that form clots to stop you from bleeding. A low platelet count raises your child's risk for severe bleeding. For most people, this temporary drop in platelet count won't cause problems. But if your child already has low platelet count because of a medical condition, this can put them at higher risk for bleeds. Get medical help if your child has symptoms such as difficulty stopping a bleed, bruises that don't go away, or feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or confused.
Avoid in people with weakened immune systems
- Risk factor: Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
People with weakened immune systems should avoid MMR vaccine. This is because you or your child might get seriously sick from the weakened, but active viruses in the vaccine. People with weakened immune systems include those with certain medical conditions (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer) and those taking medications that can weaken the immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications). If you or your child has a family history of immunodeficiency (poor immune system function), you'll need to check with your or your child's provider about other vaccine options. Make sure to tell your healthcare providers about you or your child's medical history before receiving MMR vaccine.
Avoid in people who are pregnant
MMR vaccine shouldn've be used by people who are pregnant. Even though this vaccine contains weakened forms of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses, there's still a possibility that pregnant people can get infected from the vaccine. If this happens, the viruses can cause birth defects, premature birth, or death to the unborn baby. If you're already pregnant, wait until after you give birth to get MMR vaccine. If you're thinking of becoming pregnant, avoid getting pregnant for at least a month after you get this vaccine. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about MMR and pregnancy.
MMR vaccine dosage
The average cost for 1 dose of 0.5ml of MMR vaccine is $105.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.04% off the average retail price of $129.32. 
Dose
Dose| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 dose | $105.99 | $105.99 |
Typical dosage for MMR vaccine
MMR II and Priorix are given under the skin as a 2-dose series:
- First dose is typically given between ages 12 to 15 months old
- Second dose is typically given between ages 4 to 6 years
Please note: See FAQ "How soon can I get my second dose of MMR" for the CDC's dosing recommendations under special circumstances.
How much does MMR vaccine cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
MMR (brand)
$105.99
MMR vaccine contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because MMR vaccine will not be safe for you to take.
- Pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant within the next 1 month
- People with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or medications
- People who feel moderately to severely sick - MMR II only
- Active untreated tuberculosis (TB) infection - MMR II only
What are alternatives to MMR vaccine?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of MMR vaccine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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MMR vaccine images
