MMR Vaccine Information

💉 MMR Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know
Protecting Your Child from Measles, Mumps & Rubella

At Jefferson Pediatrics and Family Medicine, we believe prevention is powerful. The MMR vaccine protects your child from three potentially serious diseases—measles, mumps, and rubella—with just two simple doses.

Here’s everything you need to know about this essential part of your child’s care.

🧠 What Is the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is a combined immunization that protects against:

Measles – A highly contagious virus that causes fever, rash, cough, and can lead to pneumonia or brain inflammation.

Mumps – A virus that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands and can lead to hearing loss or infertility.

Rubella (German measles) – A mild illness in children, but dangerous to unborn babies if a pregnant person is infected.

The MMR vaccine helps your child build long-term immunity against these illnesses—and helps stop outbreaks in the community.

📅 When Should My Child Get the MMR Vaccine?
The routine schedule includes two doses:

First dose: 12–15 months of age

Second dose: 4–6 years of age (typically at a kindergarten check-up)

✈️ Traveling or During an Outbreak?
Your child may need an earlier dose if:

They are 6–11 months old and traveling internationally or in a community with an outbreak

They are exposed to one of the illnesses and not fully vaccinated

Talk to your pediatrician to customize your child’s vaccine plan if needed.

🛡️ How Effective Is the MMR Vaccine?
1 dose: Protects ~95% of people

2 doses: Protects 97–99% of people

💡 Getting both doses offers lifelong protection for most people.

🤒 Are There Any Side Effects?
Most children have no side effects or only mild ones, such as:

Low fever

Mild rash

Temporary swelling of glands in the neck

Less common reactions may include:

Joint pain (more common in teens and adults)

Temporary low platelet count (very rare)

Fever-related seizures (very rare and not harmful long-term)

Serious reactions are extremely rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

💬 Common Questions from Parents
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
Yes. The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and has a strong safety record. Ongoing studies continue to confirm its safety and effectiveness.


What if my child missed a dose?
It’s never too late to catch up. We can help schedule the next dose and ensure your child is fully protected.

🏥 Schedule Your Child’s Vaccines Today
Protecting your child doesn’t have to be complicated. Call us to get your child up to date with the MMR vaccine.

By vaccinating, you’re not just protecting your child—you’re helping protect other families in your community too.