Administering MMR Vaccine | CDC (2024)

For Children and Adolescents

The dosage for both MMR (PRIORIX and M-M-R II) and MMRV (ProQuad) is 0.5 mL. PRIORIX is administered by the subcutaneous route only. M-M-R II and ProQuad may be administered by the subcutaneous or intramuscular route.

The minimum age for both MMR vaccines and MMRV is 12 months of age. The typical age for the second dose of either vaccine is at 4 to 6 years of age. The maximum age for administration of MMRV is 12 years. It should not be administered to anyone 13 years of age or older. 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. The posterior triceps aspect of the upper arm is the preferred site for older children and adolescents.

For Adults

The dosage for MMR vaccine is 0.5 mL. PRIORIX is administered by the subcutaneous route only. M-M-R II may be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. If a second dose is indicated, the minimum interval between the first and second doses should be separated by at least 4 weeks (28 days). The preferred injection site for adults is the posterior triceps aspect of the upper arm.

Administering MMR Vaccine | CDC (2024)

FAQs

Administering MMR Vaccine | CDC? ›

Administering the MMR Vaccine

How do you administer the MMR vaccine? ›

As of 2023, it can be administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. A single dose of M-M-R®II is approximately 0.5 mL. It is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the outer part of the upper arm or into the anterolateral area of the thigh.

What is the protocol for MMR vaccine? ›

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. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

What is the non responder rate for MMR vaccine? ›

About 1 of every 100 vaccinated individuals do not develop a protective antibody response after receiving 2 measles vaccinations; these people are said to have primary vaccine failure.

What are two contraindications for the MMR vaccine? ›

Contraindications
  • Severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis after a previous dose of MMR / MMRV or after one of the components of the vaccine (e.g., neomycin, gelatin)[5]
  • Pregnancy or planning for it - the pregnancy should be discouraged within 28 days of vaccination due to the risk of congenital rubella. ...
  • Immunodeficiency.

When should MMR be administered? ›

MMR Immunization Schedule

Children get the MMR vaccine as a shot in 2 doses: at age 12–15 months. at age 4–6 years.

How should MMR and varicella be given? ›

Unless the parent or caregiver expresses a preference for MMRV vaccine, CDC recommends that MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine should be administered as separate injections for the first dose in children 12-47 months of age.

How to give measles vaccine injection? ›

Subcutaneous (SC) injections are given into the fatty tissue below the skin and above the muscle. Measles vaccine is the only routine EPI vaccine which is administered subcutaneously.

What is the CDC guideline for MMR? ›

CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

How much diluent for MMR? ›

Use the diluent provided with the vaccine. MMR® II: Administer the entire volume of reconstituted product, which may be 0.5-0.7 mL. PRIORIX®: Administer the entire volume of reconstituted product, which may be 0.5-0.7 mL.

Who should not get the MMR vaccine? ›

In people with serious immune system problems, this vaccine may cause an infection that may be life-threatening. People with serious immune system problems should not get MMR vaccine.

Why is MMR not given? ›

In people with serious immune system problems, this vaccine may cause an infection that may be life-threatening. People with serious immune system problems should not get MMR vaccine.

Is the MMR vaccine 100% effective? ›

A recent Cochrane review of 124 studies assessing vaccine effectiveness showed that two doses of MMR vaccine were 96% effective in preventing measles, and one dose was 95% effective in preventing measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are also around 86% effective against mumps, and 89% effective against rubella.

When can you not give MMR vaccine? ›

The MMR vaccine is not given if: you're pregnant. you have a weakened immune system, either because of a health condition or because you are taking medicines that suppress the immune system. you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredients in the vaccine, including gelatine or neomycin.

Should MMR be given separately? ›

Children may also get these vaccines as two separate shots: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and varicella vaccines. Anyone 13 or older who needs protection from these diseases should get MMR and varicella vaccines as separate shots. MMRV may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

What are the complications of MMR vaccine? ›

Side effects of MMR and MMRV vaccines

Side effects from MMR and MMRV vaccines that can occur seven to 10 days after vaccination include: fever (can be more than 39.4 °C), lasting two to three days. faint red rash (not infectious) head cold, runny nose, cough or puffy eyes.

Is the MMR vaccine 1 or 2 shots? ›

Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule (first dose should be given at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

What size needle for MMR vaccine? ›

Use a 22–25 gauge needle. Choose the injection site and needle length that is appropriate to the person's age and body mass.

Which vaccines are subcutaneous? ›

Live, attenuated injectable vaccines (e.g., MMR, varicella, yellow fever) and certain non-live vaccines (e.g., meningococcal polysaccharide) are recommended by the manufacturers to be administered by subcutaneous injection.

How long does MMR vaccine take? ›

Detectable antibodies generally appear within just a few days after vaccination. People are usually fully protected after about 2 or 3 weeks. If you're traveling internationally, make sure to get up to date on all your measles shots. You should plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you depart.

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