MMR vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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The viruses are usually passed on by droplet infection when coughing, sneezing or speaking from sick people.
Vaccination prevents severe courses of the disease and significantly reduces the risk of complications in patients.
The MMRV vaccination is an extended combination vaccination that also protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Chickenpox (varicella) protects. It reduces the number of injections required and offers children more comprehensive protection against common childhood diseases.
What is MMR?
Measles, mumps and rubella are each Highly contagious viral diseaseswhich can sometimes lead to serious complications and long-term consequences. Children as well as adolescents and adults can be affected by these diseases.
The transfer takes place via Droplet infection e.g. when coughing, sneezing or speaking. Rubella can also be contracted through direct contact with smears.
How does an infection work?
The symptoms and incubation period - i.e. the time between infection and the onset of the disease - vary depending on the virus. In general, these infectious diseases cause the Weakened immune system and there may be late effects even years after the infection.
Incubation periods at a glance:
Measles: 8-10 days
Mumps: 2-4 weeks
Rubella: 2-3 weeks
Measles viruses can be transmitted as early as four days before the typical skin rash are transmitted. They greatly weaken the immune system and thus increase the risk of other infectious diseases taking a fatal course.
The incubation period for mumps is 18 days on average and in many cases the disease manifests itself as Symptoms in the area of the central nervous system. In fact, before the vaccine was officially introduced, mumps was one of the Main causes of deafness.
A rubella infection, on the other hand, often mild or even completely without symptoms. This poses a particular risk for expectant mothers, as infection with the virus can lead to serious damage and malformations in the unborn child - e.g. deafness, cataracts, heart defects and other organ defects.
Typical symptoms of mumps, measles or rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella usually manifest themselves with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and skin rash. In severe cases, complications and long-term consequences can also occur.
| Viral disease | Symptoms | Complications |
|---|---|---|
| Measles | Fever, cough and skin rash | Middle ear or lung inflammation, seizures and encephalitis |
| Mumps | Swelling of the parotid glands | Brain or meningitis, hearing loss or deafness |
| Rubella | Skin rash, swelling of the lymph nodes and joint pain | Risk of malformations in the event of illness during pregnancy |
In the case of a measles infection, those affected with Fever, cough and skin rash with red raised spots to fight. There is a particularly high risk of a severe course in children under one year of age and adults. In addition, complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis occasionally occur.
A characteristic symptom of mumps is the Swelling of the parotid glands. With increasing age, the likelihood of complications and symptoms in the central nervous system also increases.
In rare cases it can also lead to a Hearing loss, temporary or permanent deafness can occur. Inflammation of the pancreas and, in male patients, inflammation of the testicles and even infertility are also possible.
A rubella infection progresses in up to 50 percent of children show no signs of illness. If symptoms do occur, they are usually small-spotted skin rashes, swelling of the lymph nodes and joint complaints.
Advantages of the combined vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella
Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella offers safe and effective protection against these childhood diseases. It not only prevents serious infections and their consequences, but also also reduces the risk of complications and deaths.
Measles can only be eradicated through a sufficiently high vaccination rate. It is still one of the most common diseases worldwide. avoidable causes of death in sick people - especially children. A measles vaccination significantly reduces these risks and Contributes to eradication.
The rubella virus should also be further reduced by the vaccination. So that reduces the risk of malformation in children in particular of women who do not have adequate protection against rubella.
MMRV vaccine as an extension
The MMRV vaccination is an extension of the classic measles-mumps-rubella vaccination to include the Vaccine component against chickenpox. This protects against another common childhood disease that could otherwise lead to serious complications.
The vaccination is usually administered in childhood. Due to the Combination of several vaccines in one syringe reduces the number of injections required. This makes vaccination easier and less stressful for children. At the same time, it offers comprehensive protection against diseases that still pose a risk.
MMR vaccination: procedure and recommendations
The MMR vaccination is administered twice to ensure complete protection. Ideally, full immunization takes place before the end of the second year of life takes place. However, a missing vaccination can be made up for at any age.
First vaccination in the 1st year of lifeFrom the age of 9 months and second vaccination after three months.
First vaccination after the age of 1Second vaccination as early as possible with a minimum interval of four weeks.
Vaccination is particularly recommended for women who wish to become pregnant - to minimize the risk of malformations during pregnancy - and Infants from the age of 9 months. Immunization is usually mandatory before entering community facilities such as kindergartens.
Good to know: The combined vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is free of charge for everyone in Austria, regardless of age.
Vaccination is not advisable in these cases
A missing vaccination against MMR can and should be made up at any time. This does not apply to Pregnant womenas it is a live vaccine. However, they should be vaccinated immediately after pregnancy.
Vaccination is also not recommended for People with a weakened immune system or people with a fever over 38 degrees.
Possible side effects of the vaccination
The MMR vaccination is generally very well tolerated. As with other vaccinations, the injection site may cause Redness, pain or swelling may occur. However, these symptoms are usually mild and subside on their own after a few days.
Some vaccinated people develop Temporary fever or a measles-like rash. These reactions are harmless and a sign that the immune system is reacting to the vaccine. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Frequently asked questions and answers
How often does MMR need to be vaccinated?
The MMR vaccination is Administered twicein order to achieve complete and long-lasting protection. The first dose provides the basic immunization, the second closes possible vaccination gaps. Revaccination is possible at any age.
When does the MMR vaccination for children take place in Austria?
Children receive their first vaccination from the age of completed 9th month of lifethe second after at least three months. Children and adults vaccinated later receive the second dose as soon as possible with a minimum interval of four weeks.
When do side effects occur after an MMR vaccination?
Side effects mainly occur within a few days after vaccination. There are often mild Redness, pain or swelling at the injection site. Fever or a measles-like rash can also occur, but these usually subside after a few days.