The measles vaccine is recommended for children beginning at 12 months of age to protect against measles, a highly contagious illness caused by the virus Measles morbillivirus. The measles vaccine works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against the virus.

The measles vaccine is included as part of the combined MMR and MMRV vaccines. Both vaccines protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the MMRV vaccine also protects against varicella (chickenpox).

The cost of routine vaccination should be covered by most private insurance companies. Programs like Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) also provide coverage for vaccines. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider or your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns about cost.

healthcare provider giving a vaccine to a baby holding a teddy bear

Indications for use

The measles vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the measles virus, preventing infection and/or the development of more serious symptoms.

Measles is a contagious viral disease that causes a rash of red spots on the skin that is not typically itchy, in addition to other symptoms like fever, persistent cough, and excessive tiredness.

When to get it

Both the MMR and MMRV are injectable vaccines that are given at specific times according to an established vaccine schedule:

Age	Timing and type of vaccine
Children aged 12 months and above	1^st dose: givenat 12 months of age. MMR plus a separate varicella vaccine is generally recommended, however MMRV can also be given if preferred. 2^nd dose: typically given between 4 and 6 years of age, but may be given as early as 28 days after the first dose. MMRV is the preferred formulation for kids over 48 months of age who are getting their first or second doses. Note: MMRV (ProQuad) is approved for children aged 12 months to 12 years and doses must be spaced at least 3 months apart.
Older children, adolescents, and adults who are not vaccinated or who do not have proof of vaccination	1^st dose: given on the date chosen by a provider, with either MMR (children and adults 12 months and older) or MMRV (preferred for children aged 4 to 12 years); 2^nd dose: given at least 28 days after the first dose for MMR and 3 months after the first dose for MMRV. Of note, one dose of MMR is typically enough for most adults, but this depends on certain risk factors.
Adults who received the killed (inactivated) measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, or a measles vaccine of unknown type	Should be re-vaccinated with 1 or 2 doses of MMR.

The MMR vaccine may be recommended for babies as early as 6 months of age during an outbreak of measles or mumps. In these cases, two more doses are typically given starting at 12 months of age.

People who are fully vaccinated will typically have lifelong immunity against measles without the need for a booster. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective against the measles.

Side effects

The MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe and generally well-tolerated, provoking few reactions in the majority of individuals. Some people will experience localized pain and redness at the injection site.

Other side effects that may occur are typically mild and may mimic the symptoms of measles, including muscle pain, excessive tiredness, and a rash. Severe allergic reactions are rare.

Contact your healthcare provider or your child's pediatrician if you experience any reaction to the MMR or MMRV vaccines.

Contraindications to use

The MMR and MMRV vaccines are contraindicated in people who:

Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or vaccine component;
Have a severe immunodeficiency;
Are pregnant (with the recommendation to administer the vaccine postpartum to anyone who is not fully vaccinated).

MMR and MMRV should be administered with caution (or postponed) in the following situations:

Moderate or severe acute febrile illness — in this case it is recommended to postpone the vaccine until the illness has resolved to avoid attributing symptoms of the illness to the vaccine;
Receipt of an antibody-containing blood product within the past 11 months — this may compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine depending on the specific blood product and how long ago it was given;
Taking immunosuppressant medications or biologics — these individuals may require an evaluation prior to vaccination;
Taking corticosteroids at immunosuppressive doses — typically involves waiting at least 1 month to get vaccinated following cessation of treatment;
Chemotherapy — should typically wait 3 months to be vaccinated after the last dose of chemo is given;
Bone marrow transplant — recommended to wait 12 to 24 months post-transplant before receiving the first dose of MMR or MMRV.

Before receiving a vaccine, it is important to to talk to your healthcare provider or your child's pediatrician to make sure you or your child are cleared for vaccination.