What is the MMR vaccine, and who should receive it?
The MMR vaccine contains vaccines against the diseases measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These are all dangerous and potentially fatal diseases that have been successfully limited in the United States through aggressive vaccine programs. Adolescents and adults who have not received the MMR or MMRV (MMR, plus the varicella vaccine) should receive two doses of the vaccine at least one month apart. People who do not have medical documentation of having had the diseases or cannot prove previous vaccination should have titers (blood tests to check levels of immunity) drawn to make sure they are immune to these agents. If they do not have laboratory evidence of immunity, they should receive a two-dose series of vaccine. For specific guidance, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A-5D for adults. What is the varicella vaccine, and who should receive it? Varicella is the virus that causes chickenpox. While the disease is usually self-limited, it can cause death and pe
