MMR Side Effects

Most people don't develop any MMR side effects after getting the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination. However, side effects sometimes occur after a person gets this vaccination. Mild MMR side effects can include fever and mild rash, while moderate side effects of the vaccine can include seizure and temporary pain.

 

An Overview of MMR Side Effects

Most people who get the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine don't develop any side effects; however, a vaccine, like any medicine, can cause side effects. Most MMR side effects are minor, meaning that the symptoms improve on their own or are easily treated by a healthcare provider. In rare cases, MMR side effects can be more serious. In very rare cases, they can cause very serious harm or even death.
 
Getting the MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
 

Mild Side Effects of MMR

5 percent to 10 percent of the people receiving the MMR vaccine experience mild side effects. These mild MMR side effects include:
 
  • Fever (up to 1 person out of 6)
  • Mild rash (about 1 person out of 20)
  • Swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck (rare).
     
If one of these mild MMR side effects occurs, it is usually within 7-12 days after the shot. Side effects occur less often after the second dose.
 

Moderate Side Effects of MMR

There are possible moderate MMR side effects that can occur with MMR vaccine. These include:
 
  • Seizure (jerking or staring) caused by fever (about 1 out of 3,000 doses)
  • Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (arthralgia or arthritis), mostly in teenage or adult women (up to 1 out of 4)
  • Temporary low platelet count, which can cause a bleeding disorder (about 1 out of 30,000 doses).
     
(MMR Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;