What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Northwest Colorado Health provides
MMR immunizations through its
immunization services.
The CDC identifies MMR vaccination as the best protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Am I protected against measles?
You may be protected against measles if you received the recommended number of measles-containing vaccines based on
your age and exposure risk, had measles confirmed by a lab test, had immunity confirmed by a lab test, or were born
before 1957. If you are unsure, talk with your healthcare provider.
When should children get the MMR vaccine?
The CDC recommends children receive two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at 12 through 15 months
and the second dose at 4 through 6 years. Learn more on Northwest Colorado Health’s
MMR vaccine page.
Does my family need another dose of measles vaccine before we travel?
If you are traveling within the United States, make sure you are protected from measles. If you are planning
international travel, it is especially important to make sure you and your family are protected. CDC travel guidance
may include an early MMR dose for infants 6 to 11 months old and two MMR doses for many children and adults born
during or after 1957.
Talk with your provider before travel, especially if you are traveling internationally or to an area with a measles outbreak.
If I received two doses of a measles vaccine, do I ever need a booster vaccine?
According to the CDC, people who received two doses of measles vaccine at age 12 months or older according to CDC
recommendations are generally considered protected for life and do not need a measles booster. If you are not sure
whether you should get another dose, talk with your healthcare provider.
I am an adult now but got only one dose of measles vaccine as a child. Do I need a second dose?
For most adults born during or after 1957, one dose of measles vaccine is sufficient to be considered protected from measles.
Some adults should have two documented lifetime doses separated by at least 28 days, including students at post-high school
educational institutions, healthcare personnel, international travelers, certain close contacts of immunocompromised people,
some adults living with HIV, and people public health authorities identify as being at increased risk during an outbreak.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether I’m immune to measles?
Try to find your vaccination records or ask your healthcare provider if you have documentation of measles immunity.
If you do not have written documentation, your provider may recommend MMR vaccination or a blood test to check for evidence
of immunity. CDC notes there is no harm in getting another MMR dose if you may already be immune.
Do people who got the inactivated measles vaccine in the 1960s need to be revaccinated?
People who know they received the older inactivated, or “killed,” measles vaccine should talk with their healthcare provider
about revaccination with the current live measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. This older formulation is no longer used.
If I was born outside the United States before 1957, am I considered immune to measles?
CDC considers people born before 1957 to be presumptively immune to measles, regardless of their country of birth.
If you have questions about your own risk or documentation, talk with your healthcare provider.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
According to the CDC, two doses of measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles
after exposure, while one dose is about 93% effective.
How long does it take for the measles vaccine to work?
The body needs time to produce protective antibodies after vaccination. CDC notes that detectable antibodies generally
appear within a few days, and people are usually considered protected after about two to three weeks. If you are traveling,
plan to be vaccinated at least two weeks before departure when possible.
How does the measles vaccine work?
The MMR vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and fight the measles virus. If a vaccinated person is later exposed
to measles, the immune system can respond more quickly because it has already learned how to fight the virus.
Could I still get measles if I am fully vaccinated?
It is possible but uncommon. CDC reports that about 3 out of 100 people who receive two doses of measles vaccine may still
get measles if exposed. People who get measles despite vaccination tend to have milder illness and may be less likely to
spread the disease to others.
Who should not get the MMR vaccine?
MMR is a live-attenuated vaccine and is not recommended for some people, including certain people who are severely
immunocompromised or pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider before vaccination if you are pregnant, have a weakened
immune system, have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component, or have questions about whether MMR is appropriate
for you.
Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine if I live with someone who is severely immunocompromised or pregnant?
Yes. According to the CDC, people who live with or are in close contact with someone who is immunocompromised or pregnant
do not need special precautions after receiving MMR vaccine. However, people who are immunocompromised or pregnant should
not receive MMR themselves.
What are common side effects of MMR vaccination?
Common side effects can include temporary soreness where the shot was given, fever, mild rash, or temporary joint discomfort.
Talk with your healthcare provider about vaccine safety questions or review CDC vaccine safety information.
I’ve been exposed to someone who has measles. What should I do?
Immediately call your healthcare provider and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Your provider can determine
whether you are immune, make special arrangements to evaluate you if needed, and advise whether MMR vaccine or immune globulin
may help reduce your risk if given soon after exposure.
I think I have measles. What should I do?
Call your healthcare provider immediately and explain your symptoms before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department.
Calling first helps the care team provide instructions and reduce the risk of exposing other patients or staff.
What should I do if a healthcare provider or health department says I have measles?
Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider or public health department. CDC guidance says people with measles should
stay home and away from others for four days after the rash develops. If symptoms worsen rapidly or urgent symptoms occur,
seek emergency care and have someone call ahead before you arrive.
How common was measles in the United States before the vaccine?
Before the measles vaccination program began in 1963, CDC estimates that 3 to 4 million people in the United States got
measles each year. Among reported cases, hundreds died, tens of thousands were hospitalized, and some developed encephalitis,
or brain swelling.
What percentage of people in the United States are vaccinated against measles?
National measles vaccination rates have generally been high, but they vary by state and community. CDC notes that local pockets
of unvaccinated people can exist even in states with high overall vaccination coverage, which can increase measles susceptibility
in those communities.
Where do measles cases brought into the United States come from?
Travelers can bring measles into the United States from any country where measles still occurs or where outbreaks are happening.
CDC notes that since measles was declared eliminated in the United States, many travel-related cases have involved unvaccinated
U.S. residents who traveled abroad.
Why have there been more measles cases in the United States in some years?
Some years have more measles cases because of outbreaks in countries where Americans travel and because measles can spread
in U.S. communities with higher numbers of unvaccinated people.
What is CDC’s role in responding to measles cases and outbreaks?
State and local health departments lead measles case and outbreak investigations. CDC supports those efforts by providing
guidance, monitoring reported case data, testing specimens when requested, helping track measles virus strains, providing
outbreak-response assistance, and sharing information with public health officials, healthcare providers, and the public.
Has measles been eliminated from the United States?
Yes. Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000.
What does measles elimination mean?
Measles elimination means there is no continuous disease transmission for 12 months or more in a specific geographic area.
Measles can still be brought into an area by travelers, even when it has been declared eliminated.
If measles is eliminated, why do people still get it in the United States?
Measles remains common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated travelers can get measles abroad and bring it into the
United States, where it can spread to people who are not protected against measles.
Could measles reestablish itself in the United States?
Yes. CDC notes that measles could reestablish itself if vaccine coverage levels decrease. Maintaining high rates of measles
vaccination and a rapid public health response are critical for preventing and controlling outbreaks.
Will the United States ever get rid of measles completely?
The United States remains at risk of measles being reintroduced when measles occurs after international travel. Increasing
MMR vaccination and improving measles control globally are important steps toward reducing the risk of importation.
What is wild-type measles virus?
“Wild-type” refers to measles viruses that circulate globally and cause measles infections. These viruses are different from
the weakened measles virus used to develop the vaccine. CDC notes that MMR vaccine protects against wild-type measles viruses.
How is the type of measles virus identified?
Scientists identify measles virus genotypes in a laboratory using nucleic acid sequencing. This helps public health officials
understand and track measles transmission patterns.
How do I make an appointment for MMR immunization?
To make an appointment for MMR immunization or to speak with an immunizations nurse, call
(970) 879-1632 in Steamboat Springs or
(970) 824-8233 in Craig. Please bring your insurance card.
Low-cost vaccines are available for individuals who do not have insurance.
