How does the MMR vaccine work?
• The MMR vaccine helps decrease your risk of becoming infected with measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that protect the body and fight infection. After you receive the MMR vaccine, these antibodies remember the MMR germs. Once you are exposed to these types of germs, your body quickly recognizes them. The antibodies become active and your body is better able to fight the germs. • The vaccine is made from live MMR germs that are weakened. It is injected into subcutaneous (fatty) tissue, and is usually given in the upper arm. This may be given as a single MMR vaccine or combined with other vaccines. In very few cases, the vaccine can cause actual infection to the patient. Ask your caregiver for more information on the types of MMR vaccine that may be given.
