MMR and MMRV Vaccine Composition and Dosage
Three vaccines containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus are licensed for use in the United States.
- M-M-R II® is a combination measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine manufactured by Merck & Co, Inc.
- PRIORIX® is a combination measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK).
- ProQuad® is a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
M-M-R II and PRIORIX are fully interchangeable for all indications for which MMR vaccination is recommended. All three vaccines contain live, attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella virus. MMRV also contains live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus.
The lyophilized live MMR vaccines and MMRV vaccine should be reconstituted and administered as recommended by the manufacturers1,2,3.
For package inserts, see M-M-R II, ProQuad, PRIORIX
Footnotes
- Merck & Co. Inc. M-M-R II (Measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine live); 2009.
- Merck & Co. Inc. ProQuad (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella virus vaccine live lyophilized preparation for subcutaneous injection). 2011.
- GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA. Package insert: PRIORIX (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, live). 2022.
MMR Vaccine Effectiveness and Duration of Protection
Vaccine Effectiveness
One dose
- 1 dose of MMR vaccine is—
- 93% effective for measles (range: 39%–100%)
- 78% effective for mumps (range: 49%−92%)
- 97% effective for rubella (range: 94%–100%)
Two doses
- 2 doses of MMR are—
- 97% effective for measles (range: 67%–100%)
- 88% effective for mumps (range: 32%–95%)
Duration of Protection
People who receive MMR vaccination according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella. While MMR provides effective protection against mumps for most people, immunity against mumps may decrease over time and some people may no longer be protected against mumps later in life.
- Both serologic and epidemiologic evidence indicate that vaccine-induced measles immunity appears to be long-term and probably lifelong in most persons.
- While the effectiveness of two doses of MMR against mumps is high, serologic and epidemiologic studies suggest this effectiveness decreases with time. A person with a decreased immune response after time may then become infected when exposed to mumps virus through close contact with a person with mumps. A third dose of MMR can provide added short term protection for those who are likely to have close contact with a mumps patient during an outbreak.
- Studies indicate that one dose of vaccine confers long-term, probably lifelong, protection against rubella.
Vaccine Safety
The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety program closely and constantly monitors the safety of vaccines. See in-depth information about the safety of each FDA-approved vaccine:
FAQs
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a two-dose vaccine schedule for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines for children, with the first dose at age 12-15 months and the second at age 4-6 years.
What is the difference between MMR and MMRV vaccines? ›
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella; M-M-R II/PRIORIX) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; ProQuad) vaccines help provide immunity against several viral infectious diseases. The main difference between the MMR and MMRV vaccines is that the MMRV vaccine also protects against varicella (chickenpox).
What do you need to know about MMR vaccine? ›
CDC recommends that people get MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
What is the interval between MMR and MMRV? ›
Both MMR vaccines may be administered to anyone 12 months of age or older. The minimum interval between MMR doses is 4 weeks (28 days). The minimum interval between MMRV doses is 3 months. The preferred injection site in small children is the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.
What is the MMR vaccine effective for? ›
The MMR vaccine gives protection against three serious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. According to the World Health Organization in 2021 an estimated 128,000 people died globally from measles – mostly children under the age of five years.
Is the MMRV vaccine live or inactivated? ›
M-M-R II and PRIORIX are fully interchangeable for all indications for which MMR vaccination is recommended. All three vaccines contain live, attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella virus. MMRV also contains live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus.
What is MMRV vaccine used for? ›
MMRV vaccine can prevent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
Can MMR be given at the same time as varicella? ›
For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines given at ages 12-47 months, either MMR and varicella vaccines or MMRV vaccine can be used.
What age is the MMRV vaccine given? ›
The ACIP generally prefers a combination MMRV vaccine for the 1st dose at ages ≥48 months up to 12 years of age.
Is the MMRV vaccine safe? ›
The MMRV vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most people who get MMRV vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. Getting MMRV vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella.
The MMR vaccine gives long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
What happens if you don't get the MMR vaccine? ›
No one likes to get shots, but the MMR vaccine can protect you and your child against measles, mumps and rubella. All three of these viral infections can cause serious health complications. They're all highly contagious and can spread easily among people who haven't received the MMR vaccination.
Why do moms need MMR vaccine? ›
It is important to get MMR before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of becoming infected with rubella which can pass on to the unborn child, causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS can cause severe birth defects and neurodevelopmental problems.
Who should not get the MMRV vaccine? ›
Women who get the MMR vaccine should wait 4 weeks before getting pregnant. Life-threatening allergic reactions. Adults who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, a previous MMR vaccine, or a medication called neomycin should not get the vaccine. Medical conditions.
What are the two types of MMR? ›
MMR is the vaccine used in the UK. It is a combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The two types of MMR vaccine available are called MMRVAXPRO and Priorix.
Why is it recommended to give MMR and varicella separately? ›
Children with a personal or family history of seizures (in siblings or parents) should generally be vaccinated with separate MMR and varicella vaccines because the risks of using MMRV vaccine in this group of children generally outweigh the benefit of MMRV vaccine.
Can you give MMRV to an adult? ›
Note: The MMRV combination vaccine is not recommended for people aged 14 years and over. From 14 years of age people require the MMR vaccine and a separate chickenpox vaccine.
