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Get your MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine today

To protect against measles, mumps and rubella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) typically recommends up to two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and adults,* depending on age and overall health.

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An adult with two children show off their CVS heart bandages after their vaccine.

What to expect from your MMR vaccine

Get more info about the MMR vaccine, its side effects and CDC recommendations on who should be vaccinated.

Read more about MMR vaccines below
A CVS bandage.

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 tiny, 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 can cause 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.

Ready to get vaccinated?

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Get vaccinated at CVS Pharmacy®

Vaccinations at CVS Pharmacy are available* at more than 9,000 locations and administered by a certified immunizer.

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Get vaccinated at MinuteClinic®

MinuteClinic provides vaccinations at more than 900 locations and can accept younger patients at least 18 months of age.

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The vaccines you need, all in one place®

An elderly person smiles as a provider finishes their vaccination, placing a CVS heart bandage on their arm.

We offer 15+ vaccines, including:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Shingles
  • Pneumonia (pneumococcal)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tdap

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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.

  • At participating MinuteClinic locations: Administered by a trained medical provider, MMR vaccinations are available for children (18 months and older in most states), adults and seniors. You can view wait times online and schedule a visit or walk in anytime.
  • At your nearby CVS Pharmacy: Vaccinations for children, adolescents, adults and seniors are available and administered by a certified immunizer. Age and state restrictions apply. No appointment necessary.
Learn more about CDC recommendations for MMR

  • *FOR UP TO TWO DOSES OF THE MMR VACCINE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) VIS MMR vaccine information statement. August 6, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/mmr.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.

  • *FOR MEASLES IS CAUSED BY A VIRUS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles vaccination. January 26, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/measles/index.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.

  • *FOR MUMPS IS A CONTAGIOUS VIRAL DISEASE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mumps. March 8, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.

  • *FOR RUBELLA IS A CONTAGIOUS VIRAL DISEASE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy and rubella. December 31, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/pregnancy.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.

  • *FOR VACCINE AVAILABILITY: Shingles vaccine shots are available when an immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic® practitioner is on duty, while supplies last. Eligible patients may not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan. A prescription may be needed in certain states.

  • *FOR COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. April 25, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/mmr-vaccine.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.

  • *FOR CDC VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MMR: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination: what Everyone Should Know. January 26, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html. Accessed March 21, 2024.