For routine vaccination, children without contraindications to MMR vaccine should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose at age 12–15 months old and the second dose at age 4–6 years old, usually given before kindergarten entry. The minimum interval is 28 days for dose 2. If you have an outbreak in your community or a child is traveling internationally, then consider using the minimum interval instead of waiting until age 4–6 years old for dose 2.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
A dose of MMR vaccine administered up to 4 days before the first birthday may be counted as valid. However, school entry requirements in some states may mandate administration on or after the first birthday. The 4-day “grace period” also may be applied to the 28-day minimum interval between two doses of MMR if the interval is inadvertently shorter than 28 days, although you should never plan to administer the second dose earlier than the 28-day minimum interval. This 4-day “grace period” does not apply to the strict 28-day minimum interval between two different live vaccines (e.g., MMR and varicella vaccines), if not administered at the same visit.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
Yes. However, if two parenteral or intranasal live vaccines (MMR, varicella, LAIV and/or yellow fever) are not administered on the same day, they should be separated by an interval of at least 28 days.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
The second dose of MMR may be given as early as 28 days after the first dose, and be counted as a valid dose, if both doses were given after the first birthday. The second dose is not a booster, but rather it is intended to produce immunity in the small number of people who fail to respond to the first dose. The risk of measles is higher in school-age children than those of preschool age, so it is important to receive the second dose by school entry. It is also convenient to give the second dose at this age, since the child will have an immunization visit for other school entry vaccines.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
ACIP recommends that children who travel or live abroad should be vaccinated at an earlier age than that recommended for children who reside in the United States. Before their departure from the United States, children age 6 through 11 months should receive 1 dose of MMR. The risk for measles exposure can be high in high-, middle- and low-income countries. Consequently, CDC encourages all international travelers to be up to date on their immunizations regardless of their travel destination and to keep a copy of their immunization records with them as they travel. For additional information on the worldwide measles situation, and on CDC’s measles vaccination information for travelers, go to wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
The next dose should be given at 12 months of age. The child will also need another dose at least 28 days later. For the child to be fully vaccinated, they need to have 2 doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 4 weeks, given when the child is 12 months of age and older. A dose given earlier than 4 days before the first birthday does not count as part of the MMR vaccine two-dose series.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
No. IG may contain antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella that could reduce the immune response to MMR vaccine. For this reason, in February 2018 ACIP voted to recommend that hepatitis A vaccine should be administered to infants age 6 through 11 months traveling outside the United States when protection against hepatitis A is recommended. MMR and hepatitis A vaccines may be safely co-administered to children in this age group. Neither vaccine is counted as part of the child’s routine vaccination series and the doses will need to be repeated when the child is at least 12 months of age. For details of this recommendation, see the July 2020 CDC ACIP recommendations for the prevention and control of hepatitis A at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/rr/pdfs/rr6905a1-H.pdf, page 18.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
Yes. The second dose of MMR may be given a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, if necessary.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
No. A measles-containing vaccine administered more than 4 days before the first birthday is not counted as part of the series. MMR should be repeated when the child is age 12 through 15 months (12 months if the child remains in an area where disease risk is high). The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
Yes. A TST can be applied before or on the same day that MMR vaccine is given. However, if MMR vaccine is given on the previous day or earlier, the TST should be delayed for at least 28 days. Live measles vaccine given prior to the application of a TST can reduce the reactivity of the skin test because of mild suppression of the immune system.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
This student should receive two doses of MMR, separated by at least 28 days. A personal history of measles and mumps is not acceptable as proof of immunity. Acceptable evidence of measles and mumps immunity includes a positive serologic test for antibody, birth before 1957, or written documentation of vaccination. For rubella, only serologic evidence or documented vaccination should be accepted as proof of immunity. Additionally, people born prior to 1957 may be considered immune to rubella unless they are women who have the potential to become pregnant.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
