Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses provide lifelong immunity — check your records before travelling internationally.
The MMR vaccine protects against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. All three are highly contagious. Before vaccination, they caused widespread childhood illness and serious complications across Canada.
A highly contagious respiratory virus spread by airborne droplets. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. One of the most infectious diseases known — an unvaccinated person in the same room as a case has a 90% chance of infection.
Causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, fever, and headache. Complications include orchitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and permanent hearing loss. Outbreaks still occur in Canada among under-vaccinated populations.
Usually mild in children but devastating in pregnancy: congenital rubella syndrome can cause deafness, heart defects, cataracts, and intellectual disability in the fetus.
Measles: High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, then a red rash spreading from face downward. Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth) are an early sign.
Mumps: Fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen parotid glands causing facial puffiness. Some cases are asymptomatic.
Rubella: Mild pink-red rash, low fever, swollen lymph nodes behind the ears. Adults can experience joint pain. Often very mild.
The M-M-R II® combined vaccine (or MMRV with varicella) is the standard in Canada. Two doses required:
Common: mild fever, rash, and temporary joint pain 7–12 days after vaccination. Mild soreness at injection site. Febrile seizures and serious reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) are rare.
Important: MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise. Avoid pregnancy for 28 days after vaccination. Check your immunization records — many adults born after 1970 have only one documented dose.
Book a virtual consultation with an ISTM-certified physician — available 7 days a week. Vaccines administered at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy in Ottawa.