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Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMR-Var) vaccine

Learn about the MMR-Var vaccine, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.

Diseases it protects from

Who should get this vaccine

As part of the routine immunization schedule, children get this vaccine starting at age 12 months up to and including 12 years. You do not get this vaccine if you are older than 12 years.

Who should not get this vaccine

Your child may not be able to get this vaccine if:

  • They have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
  • They had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.
  • They have a weak immune system (because of a medicine or a health problem).
  • They have a family history of a weak immune system.
  • They had a blood product in the past 11 months.
  • They had another live vaccine in the past 3 months.
  • They have seizures or a family history of seizures.
  • They had an organ or stem cell transplant.
  • They are pregnant.

If your child has allergies or has had a side effect from this vaccine in the past, check with your child’s doctor or a public health nurse before they get the vaccine.

Although your child can get the vaccine if they have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, they should stay home until they are feeling better to prevent spreading their illness to others.

Doses

Children need 2 doses. As of January 1, 2021, children can get their first dose at age 12 months and their second dose at age 18 months. If your child did not get an MMR-Var vaccine at age 18 months, they can get it at age 4 years.

Other vaccines that protect against the same diseases

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

The varicella vaccine protects against varicella.

Get the vaccine

You can get the vaccine at your local public health or community health centre.

Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Provincial Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.