Find an MMR Vaccine Near You

What It Costs

• With insurance: Free. The MMR vaccine is covered with no copay under the Affordable Care Act for most private insurance plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid.
• Without insurance: Typically $80 to $120 per dose, depending on the provider.
• Vaccines for Children (VFC) program: Children 18 and under who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native can receive the vaccine at no cost through the VFC program. Ask your doctor or health department if they participate.
• Local health departments: Many offer the vaccine at no cost to uninsured adults and children through public health funding.

What to Expect

The MMR vaccine is a simple injection, usually given in the upper arm (or thigh for young children).

Before your visit

• Bring your insurance card if you have one
• Bring any vaccination records you have (helpful but not required)
• If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated before, it is safe to get another dose

The shot itself

• Takes about 30 seconds
• You may be asked to wait 15 minutes afterward for observation (standard for all vaccines)

After the shot

• Most common side effects are mild: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, mild rash
• These usually resolve within a day or two
• Serious reactions are extremely rare

Who Should Get Vaccinated

• Children following the standard schedule: first dose at 12-15 months, second dose at 4-6 years
• Adults who have never been vaccinated or received only one dose
• College students, healthcare workers, and international travelers should have two documented doses
• Anyone unsure of their vaccination status (getting an extra dose is safe)
• Infants 6-11 months traveling to outbreak areas can receive an early dose (talk to your pediatrician)

Who Should NOT Get the MMR Vaccine

• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous MMR dose or any vaccine component
• Pregnant women (wait until after delivery)
• People with severely weakened immune systems (consult your doctor)

If you fall into one of these categories, avoiding exposure is especially important. The people around you getting vaccinated is your best protection.

If You Have Been Exposed

If you have been exposed to someone with measles and you are not immune:

• The MMR vaccine can still prevent illness if given within 72 hours of exposure
• An immune globulin (IG) injection can be given within 6 days of exposure for people who cannot receive the vaccine (infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals)

Call your doctor or local health department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

Caring for Measles at Home

If you or a family member has measles, these supplies can help manage symptoms while you recover:

• Digital thermometer for monitoring fever (essential for children)
• Pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels
• Calamine lotion for rash relief
• Cool mist humidifier to ease cough and congestion
• Children's fever reducer (acetaminophen)
• N95 masks to reduce transmission in the household

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