Find an MMR Vaccine Near You

Adults: Do You Need an MMR Dose?

Many adults assume childhood shots still cover them. Per CDC guidance, check your records and talk to your provider — especially if you live in or travel to an outbreak area.

• Who needs a dose: Adults born in 1957 or later without presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR. Two doses are recommended for higher-risk groups, including healthcare personnel, college students, and international travelers. In outbreak settings, health officials may advise an additional dose for people at increased risk.
• Presumptive evidence of immunity (any one counts, per CDC): written documentation of adequate MMR vaccination; laboratory evidence of immunity (titer); laboratory confirmation of prior measles; or birth before 1957. Verbal reports of vaccination without records are not accepted.
• Where adults get MMR: pharmacies, primary care, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and local or county health departments. In Pennsylvania, MMR is also available through PA DOH measles resources and the commonwealth's 59 state health centers (VFC no-cost doses are for children 18 and under who qualify — adults use insurance, sliding-scale clinics, or health-department options).

This is general information based on CDC recommendations, not personal medical advice. Ask your clinician what applies to your history and risk.

Search vaccines near you →   Vaccines.gov

Sources: CDC Measles Vaccine Recommendations; PA Department of Health — Measles.

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. Most insurance plans cover the MMR vaccine at zero cost to you under the ACA preventive care requirement.
• 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.

If Someone May Have Measles

Call your health care provider or local health department before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or ER. Staff can advise on isolation, when to seek care, and how to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles; supportive care should follow your provider's guidance.

If you were exposed and are not immune, ask about post-exposure options right away (MMR within 72 hours, or immunoglobulin within 6 days for people who cannot receive MMR) — per CDC guidance, coordinated with public health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy Vaccines

See the full Measles FAQ for symptoms, immunity, and outbreak questions.