Early MMR Vaccination

Routine MMR Vaccination


When is the MMR vaccine typically given? Is my child up to date?

  • The MMR vaccine is a two shot series.
    • MMR #1 (MMR-II) is given at 12 months
    • MMR #2 (ProQuad) is given at 4 years as a combo vaccine with varicella (MMR-Varicella).
  • If you are a member of Modern Pediatrics, your child received dose #1 at the 12 month visit, and dose #2 at the 4 year visit.
  • You can access your child's vaccine record through the app, or it can be provided upon request.
    • Dose #1 is listed under "MMR"
    • Dose #2 is listed under "MMR-Varicella"

How much protection does each shot provide?

  • One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles.
    • 93% of children are fully immune after their first dose.
  • Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.
    • 97% of children are fully immune after two doses.

Everyone in our home is fully vaccinated against MMR. Do we need additional booster doses?

  • No, additional doses are not recommended beyond the 2-dose series.

How worried should I be if my child received the first dose, but isn't due for the second dose yet?

  • 93% of children are fully immune after just one dose, so the odds are high your child is fully immune already.

Can a fully vaccinated person still contract measles?

  • It's much less likely, but still possible.
  • Infected people who were vaccinated are:
    • Less likely to have a dangerous infection
    • Less likely to spread infection to other people
    • More likely to experience milder symptoms

Early MMR Vaccination

Do you recommend I vaccinate my child early?

  • We follow the AAP guidance, which recommends early MMR vaccination in cases of
    • international travel
    • a measles outbreak where the child lives

Will my insurance pay for an early MMR dose given before 12 months?

  • This depends on your insurance, and it's not possible to know for sure ahead of time.
  • You can expect to pay ~$90 out of pocket if they don't end up covering the cost.

If I want to vaccinate my child early, how should I go about doing so?

  • Send us a message letting us know, and we'll coordinate the best plan.
    • administer at the next upcoming well visit vs schedule a separate vaccine-only visit
  • If you have a well visit coming up (e.g. 6 month or 9 month visit), we're happy to administer the early MMR at that visit as well.
    • Please text us before the day of your visit so we know to bring an extra MMR dose.

My child hasn't turned 1 year old yet. Can I vaccinate them early? How early can this happen?

  • Yes, dose #1 can be given as early as 6 months of life.

If my child gets their first MMR dose early, do they still need the 12 month dose?

  • Yes, an early MMR dose does not replace the 12 month dose, so they would still need to receive MMR at the 12 month visit.

If my child gets their first MMR dose early, can I delay the 12 month dose?

  • Our vaccine policy does not allow delayed vaccine schedules, including the 12 month MMR dose if you elect to give them their first MMR dose early.
    • Two doses of MMR are safe and effective as long as they are separated by at least 4 weeks.

My child had their first MMR dose at 12 months, but hasn't turned 4 years old yet. Can I get them the second dose early? How early can this happen?

  • Yes, dose #2 can be given early, as long as it has been at least 4 weeks since they received the 12 month MMR dose.

If my child gets their second MMR dose early, do they still need the 4 year dose?

  • No, an early dose #2 of MMR completes the series, as long as it was given at least 4 weeks after the 12 month dose.

Is an early dose of MMR safe?

  • Yes, an early dose of MMR is safe for children 6 months and older.

Is an early dose of MMR effective?

  • The MMR vaccine is ~60% effective at 6 months of life
    • ~60% of children who receive their first dose at 6 months are fully immune

Are there adverse effects to getting an extra dose of MMR vaccine? Is there a downside to giving it early?

  • No, just the short term side effects discussed in the following question.
  • As noted below, it's unlikely your insurance will pay for an early MMR dose, so there is also a small financial consideration for your family.

What side effects should I expect?

  • 5-15% of children experience one of the following short term side effects:
    • Increased fussiness due to pain or fever (100.4+) can occur at any time during the 72 hours afterward.
    • Delayed fever and rash that show up 1-2 weeks afterward.
      • The rash is not contagious, itchy, or painful and resolves without treatment within 7 days.