by Alicia M Prater PhD

Created on: April 14, 2010   Last Updated: December 21, 2010

Mumps, measles, and rubella are previously common childhood diseases caused by three different viruses. Routine use of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine began roughly two decades ago in 1989. The vaccine is given as two injections with the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age. The first dose offers lifetime immunity to approximately 95% of all vaccinated. A booster is given at least 4 weeks later, but usually before the start of Kindergarten at 4-6 years of age, to increase immune coverage. Children who are unable to be vaccinated due to immune system disorders are considered protected if approximately 90% of the population is vaccinated.

Why Vaccinate for Measles?

Measles is a deadly and highly contagious infection that results in a fever, rash, and swollen, watery eyes. Considered to be rare in the United States and Australia, there are 20 million cases of measles worldwide each year. Death and severe complications, including encephalitis and blindness, are extremely common with this disease.

The first measles vaccine was licensed in 1971 and is still available as a monovalent vaccine (alone, without mumps and rubella coverage as in MMR). Though lifetime immunity is expected with the early childhood doses, boosters with updated vaccine are sometimes recommended to ensure the containment of this dangerous virus.

Why Vaccinate for Mumps?

Mumps is an acute and self-limiting infection characterized by swollen lymph nodes along the jawline and cheek. Complications are more common in adults, though deafness as a result of infection is more common in children. Pregnant women who are infected may experience miscarriage. Though considered a gastrointestinal infection, half of all infections have respiratory involvement. Pancreatitis, reproductive organ inflammation, and encephalitis are also possible complications.

A mumps vaccine was first licensed in 1967 and vaccination rates steadily increased with coinciding decreases in disease until 2005. Decreased vaccination rates have resulted in outbreaks with thousands affected.

Why Vaccinate for Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German Measles, is usually a mild infection characterized by a fever and rash. Complications are rare with the exception of pregnant women infected during their first trimester. Congenital rubella syndrome occurs in one-fourth of babies born to unimmunized women exposed at that time in their pregnancy. The syndrome consists of a number of birth defects: mental retardation, deafness,

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