What it means
A live, weakened (attenuated) virus vaccine given by injection under the skin (SUBQ). Children receive two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Adults without proof of immunity, including many health care workers, also need it. Because it is a live vaccine, it is not given during pregnancy or to people with a severely weakened immune system.
For the nurse
Check for pregnancy, severe immune problems and a serious allergy to a past dose before giving it. Teach that a mild fever or rash can appear a week or two later. People who could become pregnant should avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after the vaccine.
At a glance
| Drug class | vaccine (live attenuated virus) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | M-M-R II, Priorix |
| Abbreviations | MMR |
| Spanish | vacuna triple viral (SRP) |
| Also written | MMR, M-M-R II, Priorix |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.
immunization
The process of making a person protected against a disease, most often by giving a vaccine.