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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Measles update: vaccination recommendations for outbreak affected regions

In response to the current measles outbreak in Ontario, some public health units have updated their measles vaccine recommendations, including early doses for infants and children, where the risk of exposure to measles is higher.

If you are a Halton resident but you work, attend school, travel to or participate in activities (such as sports or worship) in an affected region, please follow current vaccine recommendations in that region. Refer to Public Health Ontario’s Routine and Outbreak-Related Measles Immunization Schedules (external PDF) for more information on outbreak immunization recommendations and a list of public health units that have implemented the updated measles outbreak immunization strategy.

Early measles vaccination is not currently recommended in Halton Region as we are not currently an outbreak affected region. If you do not have two doses of measles vaccine or are unsure of your status, please talk to your health care provider.

About the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The law requires 2 doses of the vaccine for all children attending school in Ontario.

Measles (red measles)

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking. There is no treatment for measles.

Symptoms can last for 1 - 2 weeks, and include:

  • high fever
  • cough
  • rash
  • runny nose
  • watery eyes

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking. There is no treatment for mumps. Symptoms include:

  • fever
  • headaches
  • swelling of the cheeks and jaw (caused by an infection of the salivary glands)

Mumps can also cause:

  • meningitis (an infection of the fluid and lining covering the brain and spinal cord) in 1 out of every 10 people (fortunately, mumps meningitis is usually mild)
  • deafness in some children
  • very painful, swollen testicles in about 1 out of 4 teenage boys or adult men; on rare occasions, this may cause sterility
  • painful swelling of the ovaries in 1 out of 20 women

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella is a viral infection that spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or talking with an infected person. There is no treatment for rubella; while it’s usually mild in children, it can be serious in women.

Symptoms include:

  • fever
  • sore throat
  • swollen glands in the neck
  • rash on the face and neck

If a woman gets rubella in the early part of a pregnancy, it is very likely that the baby will be severely affected or even die.

Getting the vaccine

The MMR vaccine should be given to children:

  • soon after their first birthday
  • again at 4 - 6 years of age

The second dose can be given in a combined vaccine with varicella (chickenpox), called MMRV.

Missing a needle

Two doses of MMR vaccine should be given after the first birthday. If you miss a dose, then your healthcare provider will discuss the “catch-up” schedule with you.

Who should not get the vaccine

 You should not get the MMR vaccine if:

  • you are ill with a fever or severe new illness
  • you have had a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a prior dose of this vaccine, or to neomycin or gelatine
  • you have a disease that lowers the body’s ability to fight infections, unless a doctor specifically advises vaccination
  • you are taking medication that lowers the body’s ability to fight infections, unless a doctor specifically advises vaccination
  • you are pregnant

Speak with your healthcare provider if you:

  • have received immune globulin (IG) or any other injections or transfusions within the last 11 months
  • you are to receive immune globulin in the next 2 weeks

Vaccine safety

Most children will have no side effects from taking the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine can cause tiredness, loss of appetite, rash and/or fever in some children 7 - 12 days after the needle is given. This might last for 1 - 3 days. Swollen glands might also appear. Research shows that serious side effects are very rare.

Deciding not to vaccinate

The vaccine is required by law (Immunization of School Pupils Act Amendment, 2014). Students who are not vaccinated might be suspended from school. Your child will be at risk of getting measles, mumps and rubella if you decide not to vaccinate.

Parents who choose not to vaccinate for:Must do the following:
personal choice
medical reasons
  • have a doctor fill out a medical exemption form
  • bring the form to the Halton Region Health Department

Risks of the viruses and risks of the vaccine

Risks of measles, mumps, and rubellaRisks of getting the vaccine
  • Measles can lead to ear infections or pneumonia in 1 of 10 children.
  • Brain can swell, causing brain damage and developmental delays.
  • Risk of death from measles is 1 in 3,000.
  • About 1 in 10 people with mumps gets meningitis.
  • Mumps can cause painful, swollen testicles in 1/4 males or painful, swollen ovaries in 1/20 females.
  • Rubella can lead to chronic arthritis.
  • Some people will feel pain and redness at the injection site.
  • Up to 26 per cent of females will feel sore joints.
  • Serious adverse events are very rare.

How can I prepare my child for vaccination?

  • Talk to your child about the vaccine.
  • Complete and return the consent form.
  • Review helpful ways to deal with fear or anxiety (count to ten, look away from needle, focus on breathing).
  • Make sure your child eats on clinic day.
  • Make sure your child wears a short sleeve shirt on clinic day.
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