MMR

Did You Know?

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are among the most highly communicable infectious diseases.

MMR are spread by direct or indirect (coughing, sneezing) contact with mucus and saliva.

Symptoms

While they are all very common childhood illnesses that are prevented by the MMR vaccine, there are some key differences with respect to symptoms.

Measles

Initial

  • Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, sleepiness, irritability, koplik spots (white spots inside the mouth and throat).

Delayed

  • Red, blotchy rash on face and body appearing 3-to-7 days after symptoms begin.

Mumps

  • Painful swelling of cheeks and neck
  • Fever and headache
  • Sore muscles
  • Dry mouth and trouble talking and eating
  • Loss of appetite

Rubella

Children

  • Rash on face and body, low fever (under 39℃), nausea, inflammation of the lining of the eye.

Older children and adults 

  • Swollen glands behind ears and neck, cold-like symptoms before rash appears, aching joints.

Despite rubella and measles sharing similar symptoms including the red rash, measles is much more infectious and severe than rubella.

Most Frequent Questions and Answers

People at a greater risk of exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella include:

  • Travellers to destinations outside of Canada 
  • Healthcare workers 
  • Military personnel 
  • Students in secondary and post-secondary educational settings 
  • Pregnant women (rubella is usually a mild illness, but can become very severe for pregnant women and their developing babies)

During Childhood

  • First dose: Administered 12–to–15 months of age.
  • Second dose: Administered at 18 months of age or anytime after (no later than around school entry)

 

Were you born in or after 1970 and have not received the MMR vaccine?

  • Talk to your family doctor as you may require a vaccination.

 

Below is a table that presents the recommended doses for unvaccinated adults: 

  • Susceptible adults born in or after 1970 : 1 dose
  • Susceptible adults born in or after 1970 who are at greater risk of exposure: 2 doses
  • Susceptible healthcare workers and military personnel born before 1970: 2 doses
  • Susceptible travellers to outside of Canada born before 1970: 1 dose
  • Susceptible students in post-secondary education born before 1970: 1 dose (optional)

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-12-measles-vaccine.html