How much does the MMR vaccine cost?
How much does the MMR vaccine cost?
$90 – $125 average cost per dose (without insurance)
$180 – $250 cost for complete MMR vaccine (without insurance)
$240 – $330 cost for complete MMRV vaccine (without insurance)
MMR vaccine cost
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine costs $90 to $125 per dose without insurance, or $180 to $250 for the complete 2-dose series. The MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox, costs about 30% more. Prices vary by location and provider.
Most private and commercial health insurance plans cover the full cost of the MMR vaccine.
| Vaccine | Average cost (without insurance) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| MMRVAXPRO (MMR) |
$90 – $125 per dose $180 – $250 per 2-dose series |
|
| Priorix (MMR) |
$90 – $125 per dose $180 – $250 per 2-dose series |
|
| ProQuad (MMRV) |
$120 – $165 per dose $240 – $330 per 2-dose series |
|
The choice between MMR and MMRV depends on individual circumstances and provider/parent preferences.
Unless parents prefer MMRV, doctors typically recommend MMR for the first dose in children 12 to 47 months due to lower risk of fever and febrile seizures.
For second doses and children 48 months and older, MMRV is generally preferred.
What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is a crucial immunization that protects against three highly contagious viral diseases:
Measles:
Causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash
Can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and brain damage
Mumps:
Causes fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen salivary glands
Can lead to deafness and meningitis
Rubella:
Causes fever, sore throat, rash, and eye irritation
Can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with 97% protection against measles, 88% protection against mumps, and at least 97% protection against rubella. Two doses of the vaccine provide long-lasting protection for most people.
How is the MMRV vaccine different from the MMR vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against four diseases:
Measles
Mumps
Rubella (German measles)
Varicella (chickenpox)
The MMRV vaccine simplifies administration compared to giving separate MMR and varicella vaccines. It's approved for use in children 12 months to 12 years of age. The first dose is typically given between 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years old.
MMR vaccine schedule
Each dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine is 0.5 milliliters. The injection is placed subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle), depending on the product. Your doctor will recommend the best schedule for you or your child, based on age and overall health.
Children
All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine:
First dose: Given at 12 to 15 months of age
Second dose: Administered at 4 to 6 years of age
Children can receive the second dose earlier, as long as it's at least 28 days after the first dose.
Adults
Adults who lack evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Certain groups may need two doses, including:
Students at post-high school educational institutions
Healthcare personnel
International travelers
For adults who need the vaccine, the dosage remains 0.5 milliliters. If a second dose is needed, it should be separated from the first dose by at least 4 weeks (28 days).
Special considerations
While the standard MMR vaccine schedule applies to most individuals, there are some special cases to be aware of:
Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should receive one dose before travel.
Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
MMR vaccine side effects
The MMR vaccine is generally safe and effective for most people. Those with concerns should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
| Category | Frequency | Side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Common | Fever, mild rash, sore arm, redness at the injection site |
| Moderate | Less common | Swelling of glands, joint pain (more common in women) |
| Severe | Rare | Seizures (due to fever), low platelet count, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
MMR vaccine precautions
Consult a doctor before vaccination if you:
Are currently ill
Recently had a blood transfusion
Have a history of low platelet count
Have tuberculosis
MMR vaccine contraindications
The vaccine is not recommended for:
Patients with severe reactions to a previous dose
Pregnant women
People with severely compromised immune systems
FAQs about the MMR vaccine
Is MMR a live vaccine?
Yes, the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine that contains weakened forms of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. It helps the immune system by causing a mild and harmless version of the infection. This live nature makes the vaccine very effective, but it requires multiple doses for complete protection.
The weakened viruses in the vaccine do not spread to others, so vaccinated people do not pose a risk of passing on measles, mumps, or rubella.
How long does the measles vaccine last?
The MMR vaccine provides strong, long-lasting protection for most people who receive the recommended two doses. While the exact duration of immunity may vary, it generally lasts for many years, often decades, after vaccination.
Can adults get the MMR vaccine?
Yes, adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine if they don't have evidence of immunity. Certain high-risk adults may need two doses of MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Do people who have had measles still need the MMR vaccine?
Yes, in patients who have had measles, two doses of MMR vaccine are still recommended to protect against mumps and rubella.
Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine while breastfeeding?
Yes, according to the CDC, it's safe for breastfeeding women to receive the MMR vaccine. It doesn't affect the baby through breast milk.
Where to get the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is widely available through various healthcare providers:
Doctor's offices: Your primary care physician or pediatrician can administer the vaccine.
Local health departments: Many offer immunization clinics with the MMR vaccine.
Pharmacies: Many major pharmacy chains, like CVS and Walgreens, provide MMR vaccinations for adults and sometimes older children.
Schools: Some schools offer vaccination programs, especially for catch-up doses.
Community health centers: These often provide low-cost or free vaccinations.
Travel clinics: For those planning international travel, these clinics typically offer the MMR vaccine.
Hospitals: Some hospitals have outpatient clinics that provide vaccinations.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free MMR vaccines for children under 19 years old who are Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian or Alaska Natives.
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