Protects against:

• Measles: Highly contagious viral illness causing high fever, cough, rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and possible death.
• Mumps: Viral infection causing painful swelling of salivary glands, fever, meningitis, orchitis, and possible infertility in males.
• Rubella: Mild viral illness with rash and fever but dangerous in pregnancy, causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (birth defects).

Who should get it:

Children (Primary Group):

• All children as part of routine childhood immunization

Also recommended for:

• Adolescents and adults who are not previously vaccinated
• Healthcare workers and travelers without immunity
• Women of child-bearing age (must avoid pregnancy for 1 month after vaccination)

Schedule:

2-dose series:

• Dose 1: 12 months of age
• Dose 2: 15–18 months or at school entry

Catch-up:

• Two doses at least 4 weeks apart for unvaccinated individuals.

Why vaccinate:

• Protects against three serious viral diseases with a single vaccine
• Over 95–97% effective after two doses
• Provides long-lasting immunity

Important note:
The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective. Mild fever or rash may occur after vaccination. Because it is a live vaccine, it should not be given during pregnancy or to severely immunocompromised individuals.