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Get your no-cost MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine today

Help protect against measles, mumps and rubella with up to two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and adults. Age and other restrictions apply.* It’s no cost with most insurance. Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS®. 

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What you should know about MMR viruses

Measles is a very contagious disease

Measles is caused by a virus.* It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with a cough, runny nose, red eyes and fever. Then a rash of flat red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

CDC measles vaccination info
Close-up view of the measles virus under a microscope.

Mumps virus causes swollen glands

Mumps is a contagious viral disease.* It often starts with a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Then, most of those infected experience swelling of their salivary glands, resulting in puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.*

CDC mumps info
The virus that causes mumps.

Rubella is known for its red rash

Rubella is a contagious viral disease.* In adults, symptoms often include a low-grade fever, sore throat and a facial rash that spreads to the rest of the body. Rubella is especially a concern for pregnant women as it can cause severe birth defects and even miscarriage or stillbirth. The best protection against rubella is the MMR vaccine.*

CDC pregnancy and rubella info
The virus that causes rubella.

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FAQs

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are viral infections. Without vaccination, the viruses can pose risks of complications that can lead to serious illness. In severe cases, they can be fatal.

The MMR vaccine is considered safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella. Any vaccine can have potential side effects. Common side effects* may include a sore arm, fever, mild rash, and temporary pain and stiffness in the joints. Most people who receive the MMR vaccine experience no serious side effects. Being vaccinated is a great deal safer than contracting measles, mumps or rubella.

The MMR vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* are as follows: 

  • Children: Two doses, the first at 12 to 15 months of age; the second between 4 and 6 years old.
  • Teens and adults: should be up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations.
  • Those traveling internationally, women of childbearing age and health care professionals: should get vaccinated if they have no probable evidence of immunity. Please note that women of childbearing age should make sure they are vaccinated before they get pregnant.
  • Children 12 months through 12 years: may get the MMRV vaccine, in which "V" stands for varicella; with that addition, the vaccine also protects against the virus that causes chickenpox. The Food and Drug Administration license limits the MMRV to this age group.

Children, adolescents, adults and seniors can get an MMR vaccination administered by a certified immunizer at a CVS Pharmacy®* location. Patients can conveniently make an appointment with a certified immunizer by visiting CVS.com® or the CVS Health® app.

Measles is spread through the air by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it extremely easy to transmit in shared spaces. People can become infected by breathing contaminated air or by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease. In fact, if one person has measles, up to 90% of nearby unvaccinated people will also become infected. A person with measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears until about four days after it appears. The virus spreads so easily that it can infect people even after the infected person has left the room.

Quick measles facts:

  • Measles is caused by a virus, not bacteria
  • It spreads via coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces
  • The virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours
  • Vaccination is the best protection against measles

Sources:

FOR 90% CLAIM: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Measles. Published May 29, 2024. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

FOR UP TO 2 HOURS: World Health Organization (WHO). Measles: Transmission. Published November 14, 2024. Available at: WHO.int. Accessed June 4, 2025.

FOR HOW MEASLES SPREADS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How measles spreads. Published April 18, 2024. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

FOR IS MEASLES CONTAGIOUS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About measles. Published May 29, 2024. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

A measles booster dose is not necessary or recommended if someone is up-to-date on their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children are considered to have lifelong protection against measles.

Adults may need 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine to be considered up-to-date if they do not already have evidence of immunity (e.g., born before 1957, documented vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity or disease). Persons who are recommended to receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine include:

  • Health care workers
  • College students
  • International travelers
  • Household or close, personal contacts of immunocompromised persons
  • Certain individuals with HIV infection

If there is uncertainty about immunity status, a health care provider can order a blood test to check for measles antibodies, or recommend available catch-up vaccines.

Sources:

FOR TWO DOSES OF THE MMR VACCINE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles vaccination. Published January 17, 2025. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

FOR RECOMMENDED MMR VACCINE DOSES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adult immunization schedule notes. Published November 21, 2024. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is recommended for nearly everyone, starting in early childhood. Here’s who should get vaccinated and at what age they should receive their dose:

Children:

  • First dose: At 12–15 months of age
  • Second dose: At 4–6 years of age
  • Children ages 1–12 may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against varicella (chickenpox). This version is only approved for children under 13.

Teens and adults:

  • Advised to make sure they’re up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.
  • Most adults born after 1957 should have at least one dose, and some may need two depending on risk factors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the following individuals should be vaccinated (if not immune):

  • International travelers
  • Health care workers
  • College students
  • Women of childbearing age who are not pregnant  

The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.

Those who are pregnant should not get the MMR vaccine because it contains a live virus. Instead, try to plan ahead and make sure you’re vaccinated before becoming pregnant and then wait at least one month after vaccination before trying to conceive. If already pregnant, you should wait until after delivery to get vaccinated.

If you’re unsure about your vaccination status or immunity, talk to a health care provider who can perform a blood test to check your immunity and recommend any available catch-up vaccines, if needed.

Sources:
FOR WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About measles. Published May 29, 2024. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

FOR CDC VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MMR: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles vaccination. Published January 17, 2025. Available at: CDC.gov. Accessed June 4, 2025.

For more information about the MMR vaccine, including how it works, who may need it, when to get it and what health experts recommend for helping stay protected, review our essential guide to the MMR vaccine.
 
Learn more about the MMR vaccine

Learn more about CDC recommendations for MMR

  • *FOR VACCINES OFFERED: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans.

  • *FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON: Offer available January 8, 2025, through August 10, 2025, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be earned in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer.

  • *FOR MEASLES IS CAUSED BY A VIRUS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Measles. Published May 29, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. 

  • *FOR MUMPS IS A CONTAGIOUS VIRAL DISEASE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Mumps. Published June 6, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024.

  • *FOR RUBELLA IS A CONTAGIOUS VIRAL DISEASE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Rubella. Published June 5, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024.

  • *FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.

  • *FOR REWARDS AT THE PHARMACY: You must enroll in the ExtraCare® program and sign the Privacy Authorization to earn ExtraBucks Rewards® for pharmacy activities. You will receive $2 ExtraBucks Rewards when you accumulate 4 credits, up to $50 ExtraBucks Rewards in a calendar year. Rewards at the pharmacy are valid only in the United States and are not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York; for any prescriptions transferred to a CVS Pharmacy® in Alabama, Mississippi or Oregon; for any controlled substance prescriptions purchased in Hawaii or Louisiana; or where otherwise prohibited by law. Check terms and conditions for details or ask a CVS® pharmacy team member for a copy. 

  • *FOR COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety. Published July 31, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. 

  • *FOR CDC VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MMR: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Reviewed January 26, 2021. Accessed November 26, 2024.