Adult MMR Vaccine: Advantages, Side Effects, Guidelines
Adult MMR Vaccine: Advantages, Side Effects, Guidelines
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Many children in the U.S. are immunized as infants and toddlers, but that doesn't guarantee lifetime protection. And not everyone gets vaccinated as a child. Many adults move to the U.S. from countries without immunization programs. World travel increases the chances of these diseases spreading.
Generally, adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and mumps. The CDC advises most adults born in 1957 or afterward get an MMR vaccine, whether they had one as a child or not.
Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans will cover preventive care services, including checkups, vaccinations and screening tests, at no cost to you. Learn more.
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The three diseases covered by the MMR vaccine -- measles, mumps, and rubella -- are highly contagious. Viruses cause all three of these illnesses, and they spread through the air. They can pass from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or just breathing.
Measles. This disease causes a fever, runny nose, and rash. It attacks the throat and lungs. Vaccinations have helped stop the spread of the disease in the U.S., but there are still cases reported. While immunization rates are on the rise around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there were 122,000 deaths from measles in 2012. Measles outbreaks often happen in countries without strong childhood immunization programs. But outbreaks have also happened in Europe, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Mumps. This disease causes fever, fatigue, head and muscle aches, and swelling of the salivary glands. In men, it can cause the testicles to become inflamed. Mumps can lead to a loss of hearing, infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord, and other serious problems. Mumps outbreaks do still happen in the U.S., but rarely.
Rubella (German measles). This disease can cause a fever and rash. It's especially dangerous if a pregnant mother has it. Rubella can lead to serious birth defects, including heart problems, deafness, liver and spleen damage, and mental retardation. If a woman has rubella while pregnant, there's at least a 20% chance her baby will have problems.
The CDC says most adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Because of the risk of birth defects, all women of childbearing age should have the MMR vaccine unless they're pregnant or have proof of immunity, or proof of already being vaccinated for rubella.
Generally, adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and mumps. The CDC advises most adults born in 1957 or afterward get an MMR vaccine, whether they had one as a child or not.
Did You Know?
Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans will cover preventive care services, including checkups, vaccinations and screening tests, at no cost to you. Learn more.
Health Insurance Center
Why do adults need the MMR vaccine?
The three diseases covered by the MMR vaccine -- measles, mumps, and rubella -- are highly contagious. Viruses cause all three of these illnesses, and they spread through the air. They can pass from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or just breathing.
Measles. This disease causes a fever, runny nose, and rash. It attacks the throat and lungs. Vaccinations have helped stop the spread of the disease in the U.S., but there are still cases reported. While immunization rates are on the rise around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there were 122,000 deaths from measles in 2012. Measles outbreaks often happen in countries without strong childhood immunization programs. But outbreaks have also happened in Europe, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Mumps. This disease causes fever, fatigue, head and muscle aches, and swelling of the salivary glands. In men, it can cause the testicles to become inflamed. Mumps can lead to a loss of hearing, infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord, and other serious problems. Mumps outbreaks do still happen in the U.S., but rarely.
Rubella (German measles). This disease can cause a fever and rash. It's especially dangerous if a pregnant mother has it. Rubella can lead to serious birth defects, including heart problems, deafness, liver and spleen damage, and mental retardation. If a woman has rubella while pregnant, there's at least a 20% chance her baby will have problems.
When should adults get the MMR vaccine?
The CDC says most adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Because of the risk of birth defects, all women of childbearing age should have the MMR vaccine unless they're pregnant or have proof of immunity, or proof of already being vaccinated for rubella.
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