Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our clinical contributor: Juan Ravell, M.D., division chief of allergy and immunology at Hackensack University Medical Center
- Hackensack Meridian Health has appointments available for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. to get your appointment within 24 hours. To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call or visit our website.
How Cdc Monitors Vaccine Safety
CDC and FDA monitor the safety of vaccines after they are approved or authorized. If a problem is found with a vaccine, CDC and FDA will inform health officials, health care providers, and the public.
CDC uses 3 systems to monitor vaccine safety:
- The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System : an early warning system, co-managed by CDC and FDA, to monitor for potential vaccine safety problems. Anyone can report possible vaccine side effects to VAERS.
- The Vaccine Safety Datalink : a collaboration between CDC and 9 health care organizations that conducts vaccine safety monitoring and research.
- The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project: a partnership between CDC and several medical research centers that provides expert consultation and conducts clinical research on vaccine-associated health risks.
Why Is Aluminum In Some Vaccines
Aluminum salts are incorporated into some vaccine formulations as an adjuvant. An adjuvant is a substance added to some vaccines to enhance the immune response of vaccinated individuals. The aluminum salts in some U.S. licensed vaccines are aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, alum , or mixed aluminum salts. For example: aluminum salts are used in DTaP vaccines, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccines.
Aluminum adjuvant containing vaccines have a demonstrated safety profile of over six decades of use and have only uncommonly been associated with severe local reactions. A study conducted by FDA determined that the risk to infants posed by the total aluminum exposure received from the entire recommended series of childhood vaccines over the first year of life is extremely low. This study provided additional scientific information confirming that the benefits of aluminum-containing vaccines administered during the first year of life outweigh any theoretical concerns about the potential effect of aluminum on infants. Of note, the most common source of exposure to aluminum is from eating food or drinking water.
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Monophosphoryl Lipid A Saponin And Related Adjuvant Systems
Bigaeva E, van Doorn E, Liu H, Hak E. Meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials of vaccines with QS-21 or ISCOMATRIX adjuvant: safety and tolerability. PLoSONE 2016 11:e0154757. Saponin is an immunostimulant that is extracted from the bark of a South American tree, Quillaja sapnonaria. Two saponin-based adjuvants are QS21 and ISCOMATRIX. The authors conducted a systematic literature review to assess the safety and tolerability of saponin-based adjuvants and found no increase in the incidence of reported systemic adverse events.
Leroux-Roels G, Leroux-Roels I, Clement F, Ofori-Anyinam O, Lievens M, et al. Evaluation of the immune response to RTS,S/AS01 and RT,S/AS02 adjuvanted vaccines. Hum Vacc Immunother 2014 10:2211-2219.The authors compared the safety and immunogenicity of malaria vaccines adjuvanted with squalene, monophosphoryl lipid A and saponin to a non-adjuvanted malaria vaccine in adults and found greater immune responses with adjuvanted vaccines. Adjuvanted vaccines had a higher rate of injection site reactions and certain generalized reactions compared with the non-adjuvanted vaccine but within acceptable limits. These side effects typically resolved within seven days. No serious adverse events were reported for any group.
CpG
The Body’s Natural Response

A pathogen is a bacterium, virus, parasite or fungus that can cause disease within the body. Each pathogen is made up of several subparts, usually unique to that specific pathogen and the disease it causes. The subpart of a pathogen that causes the formation of antibodies is called an antigen. The antibodies produced in response to the pathogens antigen are an important part of the immune system. You can consider antibodies as the soldiers in your bodys defense system. Each antibody, or soldier, in our system is trained to recognize one specific antigen. We have thousands of different antibodies in our bodies. When the human body is exposed to an antigen for the first time, it takes time for the immune system to respond and produce antibodies specific to that antigen.
In the meantime, the person is susceptible to becoming ill.
This means that if the person is exposed to the dangerous pathogen in the future, their immune system will be able to respond immediately, protecting against disease.
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What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of The Mmr Vaccine
For most adults, the benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh the risks. A few people develop a short-term mild rash, fever, swollen glands, or pain and stiffness in the joints after getting the shot. More serious, and rare, side effects include a temporary low platelet count or serious allergic reaction.
Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hives, weakness, or other problems after vaccination.
Show Sources
CDC: “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: United States, 2010,” “Measles Vaccination,” “Measles ,” “Mumps,” “Mumps Vaccination,” “Rubella Vaccination,” “Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccines: What You Need To Know,” “Measles Vaccination: Who Needs It?” and “Mumps Vaccination: Who Needs It?”
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: “Facts about Measles for Adults.”
Immunization Action Coalition: “Vaccinations for Adults.”
World Health Organization.
More Information On Side Effects
Reactions listed under possible side effects or adverse events on vaccine product information sheets may not all be directly linked to the vaccine. See Vaccine side effects and adverse reactions for more information on why this is the case.
If you are concerned about any reactions that occur after vaccination, consult your doctor. In the UK you can report suspected vaccine side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency through the Yellow Card Scheme . See more information on the Yellow Card scheme and monitoring of vaccine safety.
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Measles Mumps And Rubella Vaccine
, MD, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
, and rubella Rubella Rubella is a contagious viral infection that may cause adenopathy, rash, and sometimes constitutional symptoms, which are usually mild and brief. Infection during… read more vaccine effectively protects against all 3 infections. People who are given the MMR vaccine according to the US vaccination schedule are considered protected for life.
Passively by using antibodies A toxoid is a bacterial toxin that has been modified… read more .)
Mmr And Mmrv Vaccine Composition And Dosage
Two vaccines containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus are licensed for use in the United States.
- M-M-R II® is a combination measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
- ProQuad® is a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine.
Both vaccines contain live, attenuated measles, mumps, and rubella virus. MMRV also contains live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus.
The lyophilized live MMR vaccine and MMRV vaccine should be reconstituted and administered as recommended by the manufacturer1,2.
For package inserts, see M-M-R IIexternal icon, ProQuadexternal icon
Footnotes
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When Should Adults Get The Mmr Vaccine
The CDC says most adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Because of the risk of birth defects, all women of childbearing age should have the MMR vaccine unless they’re pregnant or have proof of immunity, or proof of already being vaccinated for rubella.
The CDC says adults at greater risk of measles or mumps should get two doses of MMR vaccine, the second one 4 weeks after the first. This includes adults who:
- Have been exposed to measles or mumps or live in an area where an outbreak has happened
- Are students in colleges or trade schools
- Travel internationally
- Work in health care
For measles, the CDC advises a second dose for adults who:
- Were previously given a vaccine made with “killed” measles
- Were given an MMR vaccine between 1963 and 1967, but there’s no record of what type.
Selected Safety Information For M
- 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 individuals immune status has been evaluated and the individual has been found to be immunocompetent.
- Immune globulins 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 clinical trials or reported during post-approval use of M-M-R®II or its components: fever, headache, dizziness, rash, injection-site reactions, febrile convulsions, anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions, arthritis, thrombocytopenia, encephalitis and encephalopathy.
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What Are The Risks Of The Mmr Vaccine
The area where the vaccine was given may be red, tender, or swollen. You may get a fever, mild rash, or swollen glands in your cheeks or neck. Your joints may be painful and inflamed. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. The MMR vaccine may cause a low platelet count, which may lead to internal bleeding. This can be life-threatening.
What Is In This Leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about M-M-R II. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines and vaccines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given M-M-R II against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this vaccine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
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Can People With Egg Allergies Get Vaccinated
A: Yes. People with egg allergies can get any licensed, recommended flu vaccine thats appropriate for their age. They no longer have to be watched for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. People who have severe egg allergies should be vaccinated in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care professional who can recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.
How It Is Given
M-M-R II is usually injected just under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm or in the area of the outer thigh by a doctor or trained nurse.
If your child has a blood-clotting disorder or bleeds or bruises more easily, the vaccine should be given under the skin because bleeding may occur following administration into the muscle.
The vaccine should not be injected directly into blood vessels .
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Why Are Antibiotics In Some Vaccines
Certain antibiotics may be used in some vaccine production to help prevent bacterial contamination during manufacturing. As a result, small amounts of antibiotics may be present in some vaccines. Because some antibiotics can cause severe allergic reactions in those children allergic to them , some parents are concerned that antibiotics contained in vaccines might be harmful. However, antibiotics most likely to cause severe allergic reactions are not used in vaccine production, and therefore are not contained in vaccines.
Examples of antibiotics used during vaccine manufacture include neomycin, polymyxin B, streptomycin and gentamicin. Some antibiotics used in vaccine production are present in the vaccine, either in very small amounts or they are undetectable. For example, antibiotics are used in some production methods for making inactivated influenza virus vaccines. They are used to reduce bacterial growth in eggs during processing steps, because eggs are not sterile products. The antibiotics that are used are reduced to very small or undetectable amounts during subsequent purification steps. The very small amounts of antibiotics contained in vaccines have not been clearly associated with severe allergic reactions.
Other Contents Of Immunizing Agents
Other substances that may be found in immunizing agents include:
- Minute amounts of chemicals that are used during the production process, such as for the growth or purification of specific antigens or the inactivation of toxins. For example, antibiotics that prevent contamination during viral cell culture egg or yeast proteins glycerol, serum, amino acids and enzymes that are needed for the growth of bacteria and viruses and formaldehyde that is used to inactivate viruses and protein toxins.
- Small amounts of chemicals that support product stability. For example, additives such as potassium or sodium salts, lactose, and polysorbate help control product acidity and maintain the quality of vaccine antigens.
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Can Vaccines With Thimerosal Cause Mercury Poisoning
A: No. Thimerosal has a different form of mercury than the kind that causes mercury poisoning . Its safe to use ethylmercury in vaccines because its less likely to build up in the body and because its used in very, very small amounts. Even so, most vaccines do not have any thimerosal in them. If youre concerned about thimerosal or mercury in vaccines, talk with your doctor.
How Supplied/storage And Handling
No. 4681 M-M-R II Vaccine is supplied as follows: a box of 10 single-dose vials of lyophilized vaccine , NDC 0006-4681-00 a box of 10 vials of diluent
Exposure to light may inactivate the vaccine viruses.
To maintain potency, M-M-R II must be stored between -58°F and +46°F . Use of dry ice may subject M-M-R II to temperatures colder than -58°F .
Before reconstitution, refrigerate the lyophilized vaccine at 36°F to 46°F .
Store accompanying diluent in the refrigerator or at room temperature . Do not freeze the diluent.
Administer M-M-R II Vaccine as soon as possible after reconstitution. If not administered immediately, reconstituted vaccine may be stored between 36°F to 46°F , protected from light, for up to 8 hours. Discard reconstituted vaccine if it is not used within 8 hours.
For information regarding the product or questions regarding storage conditions, call 1-800-MERCK-90 .
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Vaccine Review Approval And Monitoring
Health Canadas independent drug review process is recognized around the world for its high standards and rigor. Our decisions are based only on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective. The benefits must also outweigh any risks.
The Medicago Covifenz® COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for use in Canada under the Food and Drug Regulations.
Find detailed technical information such as the product monograph and the regulatory decision summary:
As COVID-19 vaccines are administered across Canada, our safety monitoring is ongoing. The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and provincial and territorial health authorities continue to:
- monitor the use of all COVID-19 vaccines closely
- examine and assess any new safety concerns
The Truth About The Mmr Vaccine

MMR vaccine: What you need to know
The MMR vaccine, introduced in the United States in 1971, helps prevent the measles, the mumps, and rubella . This vaccine was a huge development in the battle to prevent these dangerous diseases.
However, the MMR vaccine is no stranger to controversy. In 1998, a published in The Lancet linked the vaccine to serious health risks in children, including autism and inflammatory bowel disease.
But in 2010, the journal that study, citing unethical practices and incorrect information. Since then, many research studies have looked for a connection between the MMR vaccine and these conditions. No connection has been found.
Keep reading to learn more facts about the lifesaving MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine protects against three major diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella . All three of these diseases can cause serious health complications. In rare cases, they can even lead to death.
Before the release of the vaccine, these diseases were
, recommended ages for getting the MMR vaccine are:
- children 12 to 15 months old for first dose
- children 4 to 6 years old for second dose
- adults 18 years or older and born after 1956 should receive one dose, unless they can prove that theyve already been vaccinated or had all three diseases
In all cases, the doses should be given at least 28 days apart.
provides a list of those people who shouldnt get the MMR vaccine. It includes people who:
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What Are The Mmr Vaccine Ingredients
As with many vaccines, the MMR vaccine works with the immune system to build up protection by putting a small amount of the virus into the body. The safest and most effective ingredients in the MMR vaccine used today include “attenuated” forms of each virus, which means they’re live forms of the virus that have been made weak in medical labs.
When Older Children And Adults Should Have The Mmr Vaccine
Anyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment.
It’s important to check you’ve had both doses if you:
- are about to start college or university
- are going to travel abroad
- are planning a pregnancy
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles
- were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps
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So What’s Actually In A Measles Vaccine
But mild infection is not usually enough to make you sick although one in six people can run a low fever, and one in 20 get a mild rash.
They are not strongly contagious, and there’ no evidence anyone recently vaccinated with a measles vaccine has ever infected anyone else. However some doctors say people with weakened immune systems such as cancer patients recovering from bone marrow transplants shouldnt get any live vaccine and should keep their distance from anyone whos recently had one.
About one in 3,000 people who get the MMR vaccine suffers a seizure, although its not usually dangerous, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Most people get the vaccine in a “cocktail” that protects against measles, mumps and rubella , also known as German measles. The mumps component of the vaccine is also a live virus grown in chick cells, while the rubella component is grown in lab dishes containing human lung cells.
The viruses are further cultured in a broth made using salt, vitamins, amino acids and a little bit of serum the liquid part of blood from a calf fetus. Sugars and a human blood component called albumin are mixed in, as well as neomycin, an antibiotic used because it rarely triggers allergies. It helps keep stray germs from growing in the vaccine. Gelatin is mixed in as a stabilizer.
It is all out there for people to look it up if they want to.
It is all out there for people to look it up if they want to.