Prevention of Measles, Rubella, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, and Mumps, 2013: Summary Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

This report summarizes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for the prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), and mumps. The best way to protect against these diseases is to get a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

ACIP recommends the following MMR vaccination schedule to prevent measles and mumps:

• 2 doses routinely for children, with the first dose given at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose given at age 4 through 6 years (before starting school) 
• 1 dose for adults age 18 years and older
• 2 doses are recommended for adults at high risk for exposure and transmission (e.g., students attending colleges or other post-high school educational institutions, health care personnel, international travelers)

To prevent rubella, ACIP recommends 1 dose of MMR vaccine for people age 12 months and older.

The report also includes further details on vaccine safety, efficacy, and contraindications. For example, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant people or people with immunodeficiency.