Frequently asked questions about M-M-R®II
What are the indications and usage for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
M-M-R®II is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months of age or older.
The first dose of M-M-R®II is administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose of M-M-R®II is administered at 4 to 6 years of age.
What is the recommended dosing for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
The first dose is administered at 12 to 15 months of age. A second dose is administered at 4 to 6 years of age. Approximately 0.5 mL dose is administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
What is the Selected Safety Information for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
Selected Safety Information
- M-M-R®II is contraindicated in certain individuals, including those with: a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin; a history of anaphylactic reaction to neomycin; individuals who are immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or medical therapy; an active febrile illness; active untreated tuberculosis; or those who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant within the next month.
- Due caution should be employed in administration of M-M-R®II to persons with: a history of febrile seizure or family history of febrile seizures; immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions to eggs; thrombocytopenia.
- Vaccination should be deferred in individuals with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency until the individual’s immune status has been evaluated and the individual has been found to be immunocompetent.
- Immune globulins (IG) and other blood products should not be given concurrently with M-M-R®II. The ACIP has specific recommendations for intervals between administration of antibody-containing products and live virus vaccines.
- The following adverse reactions have been identified during both the subcutaneous and intramuscular use of M-M-R®II or its components in clinical trials or reported during post-approval use: fever, rash, and injection-site reactions.
- The following adverse reactions have been identified during the subcutaneous use of M-M-R®II or its components in clinical trials or reported during post-approval use: headache, dizziness, febrile convulsions, anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions, arthritis, thrombocytopenia, encephalitis and encephalopathy.
Dosage and Administration
- FOR INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS USE ONLY.
- M-M-R®II vaccine can be administered concurrently with other live viral vaccines. If not given concurrently, M-M-R®II vaccine should be given one month before or one month after administration of other live viral vaccines to avoid potential for immune interference.
Before administering M-M-R®II, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.
How long has M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) been available for use in the United States?
M-M-R®II was initially approved for use in the US in 1978. For over 40 years, it has been an approved vaccine in the US to help prevent infection with measles, mumps, and rubella.
Is M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) for adults?
M-M-R®II is indicated for individuals 12 months of age and older.
How effective is M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
Efficacy of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines was established in a series of double-blind controlled trials. For additional information, please refer to the Prescribing Information for M-M-R®II.
How is M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) administered?
M-M-R®II is administered by an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
What are the storage guidelines for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
- Store in the fridge or freezer.
Storage Temperature Range
- To maintain potency, lyophilized M-M-R®II must be stored between -58°F and +46°F (-50°C to +8°C). Use of dry ice may subject M-M-R®II to temperatures colder than -58°F (-50°C).
Temperature Range Prior to Reconstitution
- Before reconstitution, refrigerate the lyophilized vaccine at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Light Exposure
- Exposure to light may inactivate the vaccine viruses.
Guidelines for Reconstituted Vaccine
- Administer M-M-R®II vaccine as soon as possible after reconstitution. If not administered immediately, a reconstituted vaccine may be stored between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), protected from light, for up to 8 hours. Discard reconstituted vaccine if it is not used within 8 hours.
Diluent Storage Temperature
- Store accompanying diluent in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F, 2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (68°F to 77°F, 20°C to 25°C). Do not freeze the diluent.
For information regarding the product or questions regarding storage conditions, call 1-800-MERCK-90 (1-800-637-2590).
For more information on vaccine storage and handling, please visit www.vaccinestorageandhandling.com to review the guidelines and help ensure your practice’s compliance.
What are the ingredients in M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
M-M-R®II Vaccine Active Ingredients: weakened forms of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.
M-M-R®II Vaccine Inactive Ingredients: sorbitol, sucrose, hydrolyzed gelatin, recombinant human albumin, trace amounts of fetal bovine serum, other buffer and media ingredients, neomycin.
What are the CDC guidelines for the routine administration of M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
The CDC Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger specifies routine vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination is a 2-dose series at 12–15 months, and 4–6 years. Dose 2 may be administered as early as 4 weeks after dose 1 of a measles-containing vaccine.1,2
What is the CDC-recommended catch-up vaccination schedule for measles, mumps, and rubella?
The CDC recommended catch-up schedule for unvaccinated children and adolescents is a 2-dose series at least 4 weeks apart.1
What is the difference between MMR vaccine and M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
MMR vaccine is a common term used to refer to a vaccine that helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. M-M-R®II is Merck’s MMR vaccine.
How can I order M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) for my practice?
Stocking M-M-R®II at your practice does not have to be complicated. Simply register or log in to your account at ordering.merckvaccines.com to get started. You can also begin ordering by calling into the Merck Vaccines Customer Care line 877.VAX.MERCK (877.829.6372), or through your preferred wholesaler/distributor. For a list of Merck authorized distributors please go to Authorized distributors – Merck.com.
Is M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) available for children through the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program?
Yes, in most states, M-M-R®II is available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program for children who qualify. Check with your state or local VFC Program to learn more about the specific products available to your practice.
What is the CPT code for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
The CPT code for M-M-R®II is 90707.
What is the NDC code for M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)?
The NDC is 0006-4681-00.
References
- Hill HA, Chen M, Elam-Evans L, Yankey D, Singleton J. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months Among Children Born During 2018–2019 — National Immunization Survey–Child, United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(2):33–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7202a3
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Making the vaccine decision: addressing common concerns. Updated July 19, 2023. Accessed March 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/vaccine-decision.html