Frequently asked questions about M-M-R®II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live)
What is M-M-R®II?
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.
How long does M-M-R®II last?
M-M-R®II immunization provides coverage that can last 11-13 years after primary vaccination. Based on data from a clinical study, neutralizing and ELISA antibodies to MMR viruses were still found 11-13 years after primary vaccination.
What is the dosing for M-M-R®II?
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?
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.
When did M-M-R®II become 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.
When is M-M-R®II administered?
M-M-R®II is indicated for individuals 12 months and older. View dosing and administration for M-M-R®II.
Is M-M-R®II for adults?
M-M-R®II is indicated for individuals 12 months of age and older.
How effective is M-M-R®II?
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 administered?
M-M-R®II is administered by an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
What are the storage guidelines for M-M-R®II?
- 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?
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?
The CDC Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger specifies routine vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella is a 2-dose series with the first dose given at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years. Dose 2 may be administered as early as 4 weeks after dose 1 of a measles-containing vaccine.1
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 with doses administered at least 4 weeks apart.1
What is the difference between MMR vaccine and M-M-R®II?
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 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 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?
The CPT code for M-M-R®II is 90707.2
What is the NDC code for M-M-R®II?
The NDC is 0006-4681-00.
References
- Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 or younger, United States, 2025. Updated October 7, 2025. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
- AAP vaccine coding table 2025. American Academy of Pediatrics. Updated October 2025. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/coding_vaccine_coding_table.pdf