The MMR vaccine (also known as M-M-R II
®) offers protection against
measles,
mumps, and
rubella. It uses living viruses that have been altered in such a way as to prevent them from actually causing the diseases. Your immune system still responds to the MMR vaccination, however -- this is how it provides future protection from the viruses. The vaccine is approved for people who are at least 12 months old.
A vaccination with MMR may not be suitable for everyone. Before getting vaccinated, tell your healthcare provider if you have
tuberculosis, an immune-suppressing condition, or have had a reaction to any vaccine before. Also, make sure your healthcare provider is aware if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any
allergies.
Although most people do not have problems with this product, side effects are possible. In clinical studies, some of the reported side effects of MMR included mild rash, fever, and temporary joint pain.
(For more details on this vaccination, click MMR. Topics discussed in this full-length article include when and how to get vaccinated, generic availability, when the vaccine should be postponed, and more.)
